AUSTRALIA | CTE and sport related cognitive injuries have become the primary focus of the Government's latest aged care investment into dementia.
The Albanese Government is again showing its commitment to tackle dementia, with a AUD 12.5 million funding package to support people living with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
CTE is a form of dementia linked to repeated head injuries or concussions, which may result in changes in personality, behaviour, and cognitive function.
Research suggests the number and strength of all head impacts over a lifetime—not just concussions—have a significant impact on the likelihood of developing CTE.
The AUD 12.5 million in funding will be provided to Dementia Australia, who have worked with rugby league immortal Wally Lewis to raise awareness of the impacts of CTE.
Dementia Australia will develop and deliver a national pilot program of support services for people impacted by CTE, and a national awareness and education program in schools to protect the brains of Australian children.
Dementia Australia’s campaign will be informed by consultation with teachers, parents, students, researchers, sports organisations, medical experts and people with living experience of probable CTE.
Sport plays a critical role in Australian life, but the Government has acknowledged that concussion and sports-related head injuries impact young people more than any other age group.
In Australia in 2021 to 2022, around 1,600 people between the ages of five and 24 were hospitalised with sports-related concussion.
The Albanese Government recently released the National Dementia Action Plan 2024 to 2034, marking the Government’s commitment to Australia being more dementia inclusive.
“It is critical we educate sporting clubs, teachers, parents and school children about the importance of looking after our brains for life and who better to get that message across than The King, Wally Lewis,” said Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells.
She added that everyone has one brain and it needs to be looked after, and by investing in support and building a better understanding of CTE and its impact on individuals, families and communities, is money well spent.
“We know that concussion and sports-related head injuries affect young people more than any other age group, so we want to make sure our kids have the knowledge and skills to help them compete more safely.”
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