Economic Impact of Dementia Report

The first Economic Impact of Dementia Report for New Zealand was launched at Parliament on Tuesday 22nd July. 

It provides an up to date profile of dementia, its prevalence now and in the future, and it’s economic and social impact on New Zealand Society.

Dementia has a dramatic effect on the lives of people and is becoming a reality for an increasing number of New Zealanders.  There are currently 40,746 people with dementia in New Zealand today with an estimated 12.333 new cases diagnosed each year. 

In terms of the impact of the report on the Northland Society; Ros Martin, General Manager says it confirms our understanding that there will be significantly more cases of dementia in our population in years to come; and reinforces our commitment to providing quality support and care to those affected in our region.

As an organisation we will need to be proactive in identifying appropriate ways in which to expand our services to meet the growing needs of the community while retaining our current levels of individualised support.

At the same time as the Economic Impact of Dementia Report was released – the first Dementia Manifesto was also released calling on Government to provide action in committing to developing and resourcing a national dementia strategy which:

• Improves the diagnosis and management of dementia,
• Provides appropriate services to all people with dementia
• Provides support for people with dementia and their carers
• Develops the workforce to deliver quality dementia care
• Increases dementia research and the evaluation of dementia practices

Dementia_Manifesto.pdf