Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease in which brain cells are progressively destroyed causing a loss of cognitive, memory and physical function and a progressive decline in quality of life. AD mostly affects older people, and is the leading cause of dementia.
Approximately 332 000 Australians had dementia in 2014, and this number is expected to increase to 550 000 people by 2030, and 891 000 people by 2050. The biggest reason for the increase in AD incidence is Australia’s aging population, caused by greater life expectancy and the post-war increase in birth rates (the ‘baby boomer’ generation).