Vol. 29 No. 8
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Wednesday, August 19, 2026
SPICE OF LIFE: Variety Victoria Bash participants, Elvises David Hobbs and Gerard Bongiorno, of Gippsland, prepare to ‘leave the building’ at Halls Gap yesterday, on a 10-day trip across the country. Throughout the journey, Bash participants are showcasing their creativity with an array of 85 themed cars, as they visit communities to donate specialised items to children in need. The trek will end in Exmouth, Western Australia on Thursday, August 27. Story, page 15. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Dementia on rise
D
BY LAUREN HENRY
ementia rates in the Wimmera are expected to increase by 87 per cent – above the state average – by 2054.
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Prevalence data based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare modelling estimates there are currently about 1778 people living with dementia: 477 in Horsham; 311 in Northern Grampians; 284 in Ararat; 206 in Yarriambiack; 202 in Buloke; 178 in Hindmarsh; and 120 in West Wimmera. But modelling ranks five of the municipalities in the top 20 growth areas for the disease over the next 30 years. By 2054, modelling estimates there will be 3338 people living with dementia across the seven municipalities in the region: Buloke and Hindmarsh
dementia rates are set to increase 91 per cent to 386 and 340 respectfully; Horsham and West Wimmera, 89 per cent to 902 and 227 respectfully; and Yarriambiack, 89 per cent to 389. Meanwhile, Northern Grampians and Ararat are both forecast to increase 84 per cent to 572 and 522, respectively. In Victoria, there are 113,900 people living with dementia – and that number is expected to grow to 216,400 by 2054. It is estimated that about two-thirds of people with dementia live in the community, not aged care. The insights will form part of a free event offered to both family carers and aged-care and health professionals at Horsham Golf Club on August 27. One of Australia’s leading voices in dementia, Associate Professor Steve
Macfarlane, head of clinical services at Dementia Support Australia, DSA, and an expert in dementia assessment and management, will lead a team of specialists providing information and practical advice at the Supporting Complex Dementia event. Associate Professor Macfarlane said one of his messages would be the importance of understanding the type of dementia a person had been diagnosed with and how that could make a significant difference to care and support. “Dementia is a catch-all name for more than 100 conditions that can cause progressive changes in memory, thinking and behaviour,” he said. “Each condition is different, with variations in symptoms, disease course and the best approach to care.” Alzheimer’s disease is the most com-
mon diagnosis, followed by vascular dementia, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal dementia and alcohol-related dementia. He said the sessions would also highlight the importance of prioritising person-centred, non-medication responses to behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia, including by looking for unmet needs, pain, infection or environmental triggers before medication was considered. The morning session for family carers will focus on understanding diagnosis, responding to changes in mood and behaviour, protecting carer wellbeing and connecting with practical resources. It will include an opportunity to ask questions of an expert panel, followed by a light lunch. Continued page 3
IN THIS ISSUE • Senior police officer faces court • National Skills Week feature • Heat to play for medal Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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