Australia is incubating a dementia time bomb

Dementia is the No.1 cause of death here. And it’s a uniquely terrifying one, given it can often lead to an eroded sense of self, and lost memory of loved ones.

The number of cases are set to double by 2061, when it’s expected 1 million Australians will suffer from dementia.

But now, some Australians are accessing new therapies, which can, in the case of Alzheimer’s disease - the most common form of dementia - slow its progress.

Today, senior writer Clair Weaver, on how close we are to a cure for dementia. And why only some Australians are no longer hostages to neurodegeneration, as we age.

Further reading:

‘There’s plenty you can do’: The lifestyle changes you can make to curb the risk of dementia Urgent injection of funds needed to stave off dementia crisis For years, dementia researchers had no answers, but now the word ‘breakthrough’ is on their lips The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

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