Years of life lived with and without dementia in Australia, 2004-2006: a population health measure

Objective: To estimate the fraction of remaining life lived with and without dementia among Australian males and females at later life. Method: Analysis was performed by applying the life table technique that integrates mortality and morbidity statistics to derive a single population health indicator. Observed prevalence rates were used to calculate life expectancy with dementia. Results: At the age of 65 years, males are expected to live an additional 18 years, of which 6% would be lived with dementia. Females surviving to 65 years, are likely to live a further 22 years, 9% of which is expected to be lived with dementia. At the age of 85 years, males live a further six years; one-sixth of this life spent with dementia. Females surviving to this age would live an additional seven years, with one-fourth of that life with dementia. The portion of life lived with dementia out of total remaining years of life increases with age at the rate of 20 to 30% every five years beyond the age of 65. Conclusion: The extension of life expectancy is associated with increased duration of life lived with dementia. As females live longer than males, they experience a greater impact of dementia. © 2008 The Authors. Journal Compilatio