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As the population lives longer, diagnoses of dementia are expected to increase, experts say.

Robyn Bamberg, a behaviour consultant from Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service of Victoria, told The Standard the forecast for the rise mirrored an increasing and aging population. 

“People are healthier and they have access to medications that mean they’re living longer,” she said. 

“The further we progress past the age of 65 the greater risk there is of developing dementia.”

In the Barwon South West region 7652 individuals live with the disease every day.

The startling figure is predicted to rise by more than 200 per cent by 2050.

Such predictions are highlighting the need for more services.

A significant shortage of both paid and unpaid patient carers has also been predicted by Alzheimer’s Australia with more than 150,000 jobs unfilled.

“I don’t think there’s a lot of empty beds floating around and that’s going to continue,” Ms Bamberg said.  

South-west medical and aged care facilities will be hosting a conference in August to address the dementia tsunami forecast by Alzheimer’s Australia. 

“The need for specialist training has been recognised across the board and there’s an increased awareness and skills around managing people with dementia,” Ms Bamberg said. 

“There are so many resources out there in the community.

“It’s not an easy system to navigate but there is funding out their and support services so it’s important to look for them and find them. “

South West Healthcare Memory Clinic coordinator Maggie How-Ely said there were many different types of dementia.

“Everyone follows a different path,” she said. 

"There are many different phases and early diagnosis is important.

“People want to know what’s happening to them so they can learn, prepare and even delay the symptoms of their diagnosis.”

Alzheimer’s Australia has encouraged an increased awareness and understanding around the various dementias to support those with a diagnosis and their carers. 

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia with no cure. 

It is a social and health condition that can happen to anyone and involves a progressive decline in a person’s mental functioning. 

“The service providers are very good at what they do and it can make a big difference in supporting patients and their carers,” Ms How-Ely said.

Further information and support is available by calling the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit www.fightdementia.org.au/vic