The Albanese Government is again showing its commitment to tackle dementia, with a $12.5 million funding package to support people living with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
CTE is a form of dementia linked to repeated head injuries or concussions, which may result in changes in personality, behaviour, and cognitive function.
Research suggests the number and strength of all head impacts over a lifetime-not just concussions-have a significant impact on the likelihood of developing CTE.
The $12.5 million in funding will be provided to Dementia Australia, who have worked with rugby league immortal Wally Lewis to raise awareness of the impacts of CTE.
Dementia Australia will develop and deliver a national pilot program of support services for people impacted by CTE, and a national awareness and education program in schools to protect the brains of Australian children.
Dementia Australia's campaign will be informed by consultation with teachers, parents, students, researchers, sports organisations, medical experts and people with living experience of probable CTE.
Sport plays a critical role in Australian life but we know concussion and sports-related head injuries impact young people more than any other age group.
In Australia in 2021-22, around 1,600 people between the ages of five and 24 were hospitalised with sports-related concussion.
The Albanese Government recently released the National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034, marking our commitment to Australia being more dementia inclusive.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Sport, Anika Wells:
"It is critical we educate sporting clubs, teachers, parents and school children about the importance of looking after our brains for life and who better to get that message across than The King, Wally Lewis.
"We have one brain and we need to look after it - and investing in support and building a better understanding of CTE and its impact on individuals, families and communities, is money well spent.
"We know that concussion and sports-related head injuries affect young people more than any other age group, so we want to make sure our kids have the knowledge and skills to help them compete more safely.
Quotes attributable to Wally Lewis AM, Dementia Australia Ambassador:
"On behalf of all people impacted by CTE I say thank you.
"We need to be talking to the whole community about protecting our brains and brain health and continuing to support people who are impacted by the effects of repeated head injury and are at risk of CTE."
Quotes attributable to Senator Marielle Smith, Deputy Chair of Senate Committee Inquiry into Concussion and Repeated Head Trauma in Contact Sports:
"This measure is a vital step in understanding more about CTE, furthering the national conversation and supporting those affected."
