$185 MILLION FOR DEMENTIA AND AGEING MEDICAL RESEARCH

The Liberal National Government will support our older Australians and our ageing population in Bonner with a $185 million medical research package focused on ageing, aged care and dementia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the 10-year Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission will be funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and its focus will include:

• Dementia (diagnosis, treatment and prevention)
• Fall prevention and avoidable hospitalisations
• Assistive technology to support independence

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said in Australia, there are an estimated 420,000 people living with dementia.

“There is currently no cure and existing medications only treat symptoms, without halting or reversing the underlying neurodegeneration,” Minister Hunt said.

“Without a medical breakthrough, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to increase to almost 1.1 million by 2056.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the need for investment in research to develop new treatments and to improve dementia care is evident.

“We’re committed to ensuring Australians of all ages in the local area have access to the support they need to face life’s challenges,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our Government is able to provide unprecedented levels of support to health and medical research because of our strong economic management.”

“The MRFF is an endowment fund, which will mature at $20 billion, providing a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research.”

“It is the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history.”