Russell, Sarah, Strivens, Edward, LoGiudice, Dina, Smith, Kate, Helmes, Edward, and Flicker, Leon (2016) Ageing on Hammond Island: is there cause for concern in the Torres Strait? Australian Journal of Rural Health, 24 (5). pp. 342-343.

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Abstract

[Extract] An increased risk of dementia has recently been reported in Aboriginal Australians living in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. For those aged 45 and over, dementia prevalence was 12.4%, which was more than five times higher than the population rate of 2.4% for the same age, with a further 8% meeting criteria for cognitive impairment not dementia. Unexpectedly, the risk was higher for men than women. A threefold risk of dementia has also been found in urban and regional Aboriginal communities in NSW for those aged 60 and over. Alzheimer's disease was the most common dementia diagnosis in both studies. It is not known if Torres Strait Islander communities share this increased risk of dementia, although high rates of vascular risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, which can increase the risk of dementia, are found in Torres Strait communities. Additionally, rates of dementia can vary between communities due to diversity in lifestyles, health factors, access to medical and health services, and other demographic and geographical differences.

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