The figures, prepared for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW by Deloitte Access Economics, show the number of people estimated to be living with dementia in NSW has risen to almost 115,000.

That figure is expected to continue to rise to more than 128,500 people by 2020 and an estimated 272,000 people by 2050 if a cure or significant medical breakthrough is not found.

Nationally the figures are estimated at 400,000 people affected by 2020 and almost 900,000 people by 2050.

While there has been growth in dementia prevalence estimates in every single electorate in NSW, towns along the coast are experiencing the highest rates.

The state electoral divisions of Tweed, Myall Lakes, Port Macquarie, Bega and Oxley remain in the top five in terms of dementia prevalence estimates.

In Bega there is estimated to be 1650 people living with dementia, which is expected to increase to an estimated 1900 people by 2020 and 3550 by 2050.

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW CEO John Watkins AM said dementia does not discriminate and will impact every community across NSW.

“Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease, and there is no cure,” Mr Watkins said.

Alzheimer’s Australia CEO Carol Bennett  said the estimated cost of dementia to the national health and aged care system is at least $4.9billion a year.

“A national strategy with measurable outcomes that covers education and awareness, prevention, timely diagnosis, quality of care and research for a cure is long overdue."

Ms Bennett said Alzheimer’s Australia had called on the government to consider the significance of dementia in the upcoming Federal Budget priorities by investing $101.6million over three years towards research, awareness and risk reduction strategies, support services and end of life care.