Exploring the history: When did dementia in Australia start?

While dementia is not a new disease, the formal recognition and public response to it have evolved significantly. The prevalence of dementia in Australians aged 65 and over rose from 5.10% in 2015 to 5.23% in 2018, highlighting its growing impact. This complex history influences how we answer the question, when did dementia in Australia start, by examining the evolution of diagnosis, research, and policy.

Quick Summary

The 'start' of dementia in Australia is not a single event but an evolving process of understanding. Early cases were clinically noted in the late 1800s, but formal national policy and public health recognition didn't begin until the 1990s.

Key Points

• The 'Start' is an Evolution: The onset of dementia in Australia cannot be pinpointed to a single date, but rather is marked by a gradual evolution in medical understanding, diagnosis, and public policy over the last century and a half.

• Late 19th Century Origins: Australia's clinical understanding of dementia began in the late 1800s, influenced by global medical advancements that differentiated age-related mental decline from specific diseases, spurred by figures like Alois Alzheimer in Europe.

• National Policy Began in 1992: The first federal dementia policy initiative, the National Plan for Dementia Care, was launched in 1992.

• Recognised as a National Priority: In 2012, dementia was declared the ninth National Health Priority Area.

• Recent Focus on Data and Research: Significant strides have been made recently, with the establishment of the National Centre for Monitoring Dementia in 2021 and new action plans.

• Indigenous Communities Disproportionately Affected: Indigenous Australians experience higher prevalence rates and earlier onset compared to the general population due to distinct risk factors.

The historical context of dementia

The concept of dementia has a long history, though it was often mistakenly seen as a normal part of aging. Medical understanding began to change in the late 1800s, leading to the recognition that cognitive decline could be caused by specific diseases. Key global discoveries, such as Alois Alzheimer's identification of brain changes in 1906, provided a foundation for understanding the disease. These global advancements eventually influenced medical understanding within Australia.

Evolving perceptions in an Australian setting

For a significant period of Australia's history, specific documentation and understanding of dementia were limited. Early medical records often lacked the detail needed for a specific diagnosis. Within some Indigenous Australian communities, there were also historical perceptions of the condition as a 'whitefella sickness'. As medical knowledge advanced and life expectancy increased, so did the recognition and recorded prevalence of dementia across the Australian population.

The development of Australia's policy and research landscape

Australia's formal response to dementia has evolved over time. The first federal dementia policy was launched in 1992. Dementia was recognized as a National Health Priority Area in 2012. More recently, the National Centre for Monitoring Dementia (NCMD) was established in 2021, and a new National Dementia Action Plan (2024–2034) was released in 2024.

Prevalence, diagnosis, and data collection

Precisely tracking historical dementia prevalence in Australia is challenging due to evolving understanding and data collection methods. The AIHW notes difficulties in obtaining an exact figure due to the lack of a single data source. Despite these challenges, recent studies indicate increasing prevalence. In 2024, the AIHW estimated around 425,000 Australians were living with dementia. Studies also show higher prevalence and earlier onset among Indigenous Australians.

Historical versus modern dementia statistics

The table below highlights the differences in data and understanding, explaining why a precise historical starting point is difficult.

Aspect of Data	Historical (Pre-1990s)	Modern (Post-2010s)
Diagnosis Criteria	General observations.	Standardised criteria (e.g., DSM-5, ICD-11).
Data Sources	Limited clinical notes.	National surveys (ABS SDAC), AIHW databases, clinical registries, Census.
Prevalence Tracking	Difficult.	Regular monitoring by bodies like AIHW and NCMD.
Focus Areas	Late-stage symptoms.	Comprehensive approach covering diagnosis, treatment, prevention, care, and risk factors.

The growing impact of dementia on Australia

Dementia is now a major cause of death and disease burden, leading to significant responses like focus within the 2018 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It also creates a substantial financial burden.

A conclusion of evolving understanding

Answering 'when did dementia in Australia start?' involves acknowledging a long process of evolving understanding rather than a specific date. The condition has always been present, but its recognition, diagnosis, and societal response have developed over time. Australia's journey reflects a global shift in viewing dementia as a significant national health challenge requiring comprehensive strategies.

For more information on the history and current state of dementia, see the Dementia Australia website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific first case of dementia recorded in Australia?

No, there is no single 'first case' recorded. Historical medical records were often not detailed enough, and the understanding of dementia has changed significantly over time. It was initially misunderstood.

When did the Australian government start recognising dementia?

Formal recognition began in 1992 with the launch of the first federal dementia policy. It was further solidified in 2012 by designating dementia as a National Health Priority Area.

Why is it hard to track historical dementia prevalence in Australia?

Difficulty arises from inconsistent diagnostic criteria and a lack of systematic data collection in the past. While modern methods are used, estimates still vary.

How did Indigenous Australians historically perceive dementia?

Historical perceptions within some Indigenous communities reportedly viewed dementia as a 'whitefella sickness', potentially due to lower life expectancy and lack of recognition or a suitable term in many Indigenous languages at the time.

Is dementia more common in Australia now than in the past?

Yes, current data indicates a rising prevalence, largely due to the aging population. As more Australians live longer, the number of people affected is projected to increase.

What was the significance of the 2018 Royal Commission for dementia care?

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (2018) significantly focused on dementia. Its findings led to reforms aimed at improving care quality in the aged care sector.

Are there any recent government actions addressing dementia in Australia?

Yes, a new 10-year National Dementia Action Plan (2024–2034) was released in 2024 to improve outcomes from prevention to research and support.