Hon Tony Ryall
Minister of Health

10 March 2010

Speech
Alzheimers New Zealand

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today.

The Canterbury earthquake has obviously been dominating our thoughts over the last couple of weeks, and it will continue to play a major part in our considerations for many years.

I have visited Canterbury three times since the earthquake, and can't speak highly enough of the people in the health and non-government organisation sectors, putting their own issues to one side while they help others.

Groups like your Alzheimer's Canterbury, who have been contacting existing clients to check on their wellbeing and needs, as well as offering support to others suffering from dementia or Alzheimers.

Thank you.

We're living longer, with more people living over the age of 85.

That means more people living with dementia, which will be a major factor in aged care in the future.

Your National Dementia Strategy, launched last May at Parliament, calls for greater collaboration between health professionals, service providers, funders, member organisations and people caring for those with dementia.

This Government is investing more than ever before in services for the elderly We are committed to providing new and expanded services – concentrating on dementia and primary care improvements.

The number of people with dementia (of any age) is expected to increase considerably. Estimates show that the numbers of New Zealanders who are living with dementia is approximately 41,000; this is expected to increase to 77,000 by 2026.

The rates of growth may be affected by various risk factors associated with dementia.

• A study of more than 10,000 people showed that obesity was associated with a 74 per cent increased risk of dementia 25–30 years later, while overweight people had a 35 per cent greater risk.

• Previous work has linked high blood pressure and high cholesterol with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Protective factors may include physical activity:

• A study at Johns Hopkins in the US found that people who engaged in four or more physical activities, from gardening to biking, had about half the risk of dementia compared with those who engaged in one or none.

• Time spent in full-time education also appears to be negatively associated with dementia.

• Some research has suggested a possible link between a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and people with mentally demanding jobs

But as you know, there is no cure and the best science can do is slow down progression.

An Australian study suggests that if the onset of dementia can be delayed 5 years, then by 2050 there would be 50% fewer people with dementia than otherwise projected.

PHARMAC's decision to fund a brand of the drug donepezil – Donepezil-Rex – is enabling thousands of people diagnosed with Alzheimers or related types of dementia to have a better quality of life for longer.

We also need to concentrate on making sure people suffering from dementia receive quality services and live as good a life possible– whether they live at home or in residential care.

Earlier diagnosis and earlier provision of support will mean people will be able to stay longer in their homes in comfort and safety.

We have invested an additional $5 million a year specifically targeted at increasing the number of respite beds available.

New Zealanders also want us improving the quality of the services provided to our older residents of rest homes and hospitals throughout the country.

This is particularly important for people with dementia – and it does seem that internationally and here in New Zealand, GPs and residential care are taking up the challenge.

The over-use of anti- psychotics is an issue a number of doctors and caring organisations are considering.

Research in New Zealand found anti- psychotic prescribing varies for 90% of those with dementia in one rest home to around 20% in some others. In all this debate the safety of residents must come first.

Last year, providers, DHBs and the Ministry of Health worked together to review aged residential care services, and the result is Aged Residential Care Service Review.

The review provides robust information on demand and supply, workforce projections, and suggestions as to how models of care may evolve.

The messages are clear: we have a window of opportunity to plan and to get ready, as demand remains relatively stable over the next few years. We need to invest more in hospital level and dementia care.

Our ability to do that depends on two things – how prosperous we are as a country, and how well we use our resources.

A working group is looking at how we can bring the recommendations into being.

This will include investment in hospital-level and dementia care.

If we do it right, then the investment into new areas can come from other areas in health, for example the money we may be able to save from fewer hospitalisations.

Many countries around the world are freezing or even cutting spending, and Health services are not immune.

This government is determined to protect and grow our public health service.

But we have been borrowing $300 million a week and that can’t continue if we are to avoid the sort of meltdown seen in other countries.

We all know that the demand for health services grows every year, always faster than any funding increases.

But our investment in Health has kept pace with inflation and population change. We have put an extra $1.2 billion into health in our first two years.

Money will be tighter in the coming year. More than ever, we need to ensure we get the best value we can from every health dollar.

I have heard first hand stories about how hard it can be caring for people with dementia, and I know many carers value Alzheimer's New Zealand's support.

I'm told that when people with dementia are together with each other they really do enjoy the companionship and acceptance, and I am told the laughter flows.

I wish you well with this and other fundraising events.

ends

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