Years of life lived with and without dementia in Australia, 2004-2006: a population health measure

Authors: Nepal, Binod; Brown, Laurie; Ranmuthugala, Geetha

Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Volume 32, Number 6, December 2008 , pp. 565-568(4)

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Abstract:

Objective:To estimate the fraction of remaining life lived with and without dementia among Australian males and females at later life.

Method: Analysis was performed by applying the life table technique that integrates mortality and morbidity statistics to derive a single population health indicator. Observed prevalence rates were used to calculate life expectancy with dementia.

Results: At the age of 65 years, males are expected to live an additional 18 years, of which 6% would be lived with dementia. Females surviving to 65 years, are likely to live a further 22 years, 9% of which is expected to be lived with dementia. At the age of 85 years, males live a further six years; one-sixth of this life spent with dementia. Females surviving to this age would live an additional seven years, with one-fourth of that life with dementia. The portion of life lived with dementia out of total remaining years of life increases with age at the rate of 20 to 30% every five years beyond the age of 65.

Conclusion. The extension of life expectancy is associated with increased duration of life lived with dementia. As females live longer than males, they experience a greater impact of dementia.

Keywords: dementia; dementia free life expectancy; Australia

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-6405.2008.00311.x

Affiliations: 1: National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling, University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Publication date: 2008-12-01