A 24/7 support group is managing a soaring number of referrals to assist with the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Dementia Support Australia has seen case numbers rise from 8108 in 2018 to 18,091 last year. And with the number of people living with dementia in Australia expected to more than double to 849,300 by 2058, the situation will only become worse. The organisation's head of Dementia and Professional Services, Marie Alford, said the rising incidence of dementia is having an impact on carers, their families, the health system and residential aged care. "At some stage most of us will be affected by dementia, either ourselves or because of someone we love," she said. "With two in three people living with dementia being in the community, there were up to 354,200 unpaid carers last year, often working 60 or more hours a week." Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia refers to a range of non-cognitive symptoms that most people with dementia will experience, including aggression, delusions, agitation, depression, vocalisations and disinhibitions and night-time behavioural disturbances. IN OTHER NEWS: Ms Alford said there needed to be continuing progress on Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendations relating to dementia, including better palliative care, dementia-friendly aged care design and more beds offered under the Specialist Dementia Care Program. Dementia Support Australia, funded by the federal government, operates 24 hours a day to help improve the quality of life of people living with dementia who are experiencing these symptoms, using a relationship-based approach. It has also launched a GP Advice Service to provide general practitioners with access to psychogeriatricians and geriatricians to help them respond to the clinical needs of patients. GPS can access the team at gpadvice@dementia.com.au For assistance at any time, carers can call 1800-699-799. To find out more about Dementia Support Australia, click HERE
