According to Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, the Maitland electorate will be one of the worst hit by the state’s rapidly growing dementia epidemic, with rates predicted to reach 1200 by 2020 and 3100 by 2050.

“These latest figures show, based on population data, that the number of people expected to be living with dementia in Maitland will more than triple by 2050,” Alzheimer’s Australia NSW CEO John Watkins said.

“This shows dementia is an issue that is only going to get bigger in Maitland and right across NSW as we move into the future.”

Mr Watkins said the Hunter’s ageing population was behind Maitland’s increase in dementia prevalence.

“This will be a challenge for the Maitland community but one, with government support, we can face,” he said.

“The Maitland and Hunter community has always valued its older citizens and I am confident it will become a leading dementia-friendly community.

“We need a whole-of-government approach to appropriately tackle this challenge so people living with dementia in Maitland and all parts of NSW have access to the types of support they need to live well within their communities for as long as possible.”

In the lead-up to next month’s state election, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW has called on the major political parties to commit to funding for dementia care.

“This means doing things like taking a serious look at how to provide much better care for people with dementia when they need to go to hospital, increasing specialist palliative care for people with dementia and adequately funding health-related transport to support people living with dementia to access health and medical-related appointments.

“It is also why we are asking for a comprehensive government commitment to supporting communities that wish to become dementia-friendly.”