Photo of two hands holding a selection of pills

Over 80% of older Australians with the dementia face potentially inappropriate polypharmacy

Dementia affects a growing number of Australians, with estimates placing the number living with the condition at around 425,000 in recent years. Projections suggest this figure will more than double by mid-century as the population ages.

Published: 23 January 2026

national
23 January 2026
HelloCare

While medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine) and memantine play a valuable role in managing symptoms for many people, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease, their use often occurs within a broader context of multiple medications.

This polypharmacy, especially when it includes potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMs), raises important safety considerations.