Dementia services in Australia.

Aim: To describe dementia services in Australia.

Method: Limited review of current government policies and relevant papers.

Results: Australians with dementia, currently estimated at 220 000, are expected to number 1.13 million by 2050. In response, Commonwealth and State Australian governments have developed comprehensive plans and systems including expansion of community care services and packages, improvement in quality of residential care and initiatives to address behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Alzheimer's Australia, which continues to be a powerful advocate for improvement in services, has pioneered a prevention programme to delay dementia onset.

Conclusion: Further developments should aim to increase awareness, reduce stigma, enhance carer support improve timely diagnosis and support for special population groups, notably those from Indigenous and non-English speaking communities and those with younger onset dementia and correct relative underfunding for dementia research. Dementia care in Australia is well developed but gaps remain.