Report unveils hidden cost of Alzheimer's disease,
cases to double by 20501
- 1.2 million Australians will have Alzheimer's disease by 2050, with an economic impact of $17 billion1-3
- 50,000 Australians with Alzheimer's disease currently wish to work but are unable to, contributing to $3.7 billion in lost productivity every year1
- Report highlights hope for early detection, diagnosis and treatment – but health system reform urgently needed1
A new report unveiled in Parliament House highlights the significant health, societal and economic burden of Alzheimer's disease – revealing a stark and concerning future for Australia's health and aged care systems if urgent change is not prioritised.
The 'Diagnosis to Dignity – A Vision for Alzheimer's Disease in Australia' report by Evohealth, developed in collaboration with medical experts and advocates, warns that the incidence and impact of Alzheimer's disease in Australia is set to double over 25 years.1
The number of Australians with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease is projected to increase from 296,000 in 2024 to 600,000 in 2050. Additionally, the number of Australians with early signs of the disease, known as mild cognitive impairment with Alzheimer's disease pathology, will increase from at least 318,000 to 590,000 in the same period. Together, this amounts to 1.2 million Australians living with Alzheimer's disease, at an economic cost of $17 billion in 2050.1-3
The report highlights the scale and far-reaching impact of Alzheimer's disease on Australian society. This includes the impact on the individual, the emotional, physical, mental and financial toll on carers and families, the pressure on health and aged care systems, as well as workforce and productivity losses.
Importantly, the report highlights the workforce impacts of Alzheimer's disease. The analysis found that in 2024, one-in-five people over the age of 60 with Alzheimer's disease wish to continue working but are unable to do so due to delayed diagnosis and lack of interventions and support. This equates to 50,000 Australians, not including the wider impact on carers.1
Additionally, the report reveals that productivity losses of $3.7 billion in 2024 will far exceed the cost of residential aged care associated with Alzheimer's disease ($2.4 billion), long considered the greatest financial cost of the memory-robbing disease.1
"Beyond the worrying economic impact, what concerns me is the stigma endured by people with Alzheimer's disease and their carers," said Renae Beardmore, Managing Director of health advisory firm Evohealth.
"Alzheimer's disease is not a disease of older Australians. Changes in the brain begin decades before symptoms appear. With science bringing forth new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment, we need to change the way we think about Alzheimer's disease and embrace opportunities for early intervention."
The report found that the quality of life of a person with mild Alzheimer's disease could also be improved by 25 per cent if entry into aged care was delayed by 12 months through improved care and support. This would also deliver the Federal Government savings of $40-48 million over four years.1
"With an ageing population, Alzheimer's disease will further challenge health and aged care systems. We can't ignore this problem by burying our heads in the sand," said report contributor Professor Michael Woodward AM, Director, Aged Care and Memory Clinic, Austin Health and Honorary Medical Advisor, Dementia Australia.
"We can significantly reduce the impact of Alzheimer's on individuals and society, but only if we act now to invest in healthy ageing," he said. "It's akin to where we were with cancer a few decades ago. Science is advancing at a rapid rate and will lead to entirely new ways to screen, detect, treat and even prevent Alzheimer's disease."
The report states that: "Hope is on the horizon". It highlights how blood tests are poised to revolutionise Alzheimer's diagnosis by detecting specific biomarkers to guide earlier intervention and more targeted treatment.2-4 It also points to more than 100 clinical trials underway globally in Alzheimer's disease, with new therapies already approved overseas.5
This independent report was funded by Eli Lilly Australia. Tori Brown, Eli Lilly Australia and New Zealand General Manager thanked Evohealth and the advisory committee for presenting a bold vision for a new paradigm of early detection, diagnosis and care for people with Alzheimer's disease.
"The report highlights a once in a generation opportunity to act on Alzheimer's disease. It is good for patients, good for families and carers, good for health and aged care systems, and good for the economy," she said.
"Lilly has been at the forefront of Alzheimer's disease research for more than 35 years, contributing to our understanding of how this complex disease works and how it may be treated and ultimately prevented.6 We echo the call for health system change to prepare for a new era of care for Alzheimer's disease when signs and symptoms first present."
"Now is the time for Government, industry, researchers, clinicians and advocates to work together to ensure Australia's response to Alzheimer's disease keeps pace with scientific innovation, and the rest of the world."
The report presents a vision of a future where people with Alzheimer's disease live their lives with dignity following a diagnosis. Seven recommendations are presented for adoption by the Federal Government and its health and aged care agencies to achieve this vision:
- Develop a national diagnosis and care pathway for people with Alzheimer's disease.
- Educate, upskill and support primary care clinicians to identify, diagnose and support individuals and their care/support team.
- Increase access to Alzheimer's-specific cognitive function and memory support services.
- Develop national guidance to enable inclusive communities and workplaces for people with Alzheimer's disease.
- Invest in a national education and awareness campaign that re-focusses Alzheimer's disease as a chronic disease that begins decades before symptoms appear.
- Upskill and connect carers to support people with Alzheimer's disease to stay active in the community.
- Invest in research and development commensurate with the disease burden.
