* WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

Dementia is a broad term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person's memory loss, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning. It is more common after the age of 65.

* HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE WITH DEMENTIA IN AUSTRALIA?

In 2019, there are an estimated 447,115 Australians living with dementia.

* HOW MUCH IS THAT NUMBER SET TO INCREASE?

Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to an estimated 589,807 by 2028 and 1,076,129 by 2058.

* HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AUSTRALIA?

In 2019, dementia is estimated to cost Australia more than $15 billion. By 2025, the total cost of dementia is predicted to increase to more than $18.7 billion and by 2056, to more than $36.8 billion.

* IS DEMENTIA A LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN AUSTRALIA?

Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians contributing to 5.8 per cent of all deaths in males and 11.3 per cent of all deaths in females each year.

* CAN PEOPLE YOUNGER THAN 65 GET DEMENTIA?

People can develop dementia in their 30s, 40s and 50s. In 2019, there are an estimated 27,247 people with younger onset dementia, which is expected to rise to 29,353 people by 2028 and 41,249 people by 2058.

Source: Dementia Australia

Australian Associated Press