Dementia and Ageing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities: Is there cause for concern?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have higher rates of chronic disease, worse health outcomes and higher mortality than the general Australian population at all ages. Recently, an increased risk of dementia and other diseases of ageing have also been identified within remote and urban Aboriginal communities in people aged 45 and over but much remains unknown.

In this presentation A/Prof Eddy Strivens looks at the current evidence from across the country, how it compares to other First Nation peoples, as well as presenting new information from the Torres Strait.

Eddy Strivens is a Geriatrician and Clinical Director for Sub-Acute Services in Far North Queensland. He’s an Adjunct Associate Professor with James Cook University and co-chairs Queensland Health’s Statewide Dementia Clinical Network.