A DEMENTIA epidemic could be on the horizon for the northern region, as new figures suggest the number of people living with the condition will explode by 283 per cent within the next 40 years. <\/p>\n
Statistics released today by Alzheimers Australia NSW predict the Tamworth electorate will have the greatest number of people with dementia in the region, and the 23rd highest prevalence in the state, by 2050. <\/p>\n
In the Tamworth area, 1101 people have dementia a figure expected to rise by 218 per cent to 3504 in 2050. <\/p>\n
The number of people with dementia in the Northern Tablelands is anticipated to grow from 1124 this year to 3030, an increase of 269 per cent. <\/p>\n
Barwons population will have 2304 people living with dementia in 2050, a 257 per cent increase from this years figure of 897. <\/p>\n
Across NSW, the number of people living with the condition is expected to more than triple, from about 95,000 to more than 300,000. <\/p>\n
Alzheimers Australia NSW chief executive officer John Watkins said the trend was driven by demographic changes. <\/p>\n
The general population in both the state and northern region was getting older, he said, so more people would develop the condition. <\/p>\n
The older you get, the higher the chance you have of getting dementia, Mr Watkins said. <\/p>\n
People who live to 85 have a one-in-four chance of getting dementia. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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\nDementia statistics set to triple for Tamworth<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"