Greater public recognition will also be critical in encouraging prevention and early intervention, and more generally in building public support to meet the challenges of dementia.

Prevention is the key.

Dementia is not exclusively a problem of the developed world.

When the Australian Government looked at how to meet the challenges, and the opportunities, presented by our ageing population, it saw that an all-encompassing approach was a prerequisite.

Australia is already a world leader in dementia research, treatment and care.

Prevention is one of the few known ways to reduce demand for health and aged care services.