Dementia numbers to rise across Australia

With dementia prevalence rates expected to increase across Australia, better support systems are needed and the stigma and isolation associated with the disease must end, a charity says.

About 112,000 people in NSW suffer from dementia and this is expected to grow to 132,000 by 2020, Alzheimer's Australia chief John Watkins said.

Nationally the charity estimates more than 332,000 people are living with dementia.

By 2030 they predict this to rise to more than 500,000.

Coastal and regional parts of NSW "will continue to bear the brunt of increasing dementia prevalence rates" as many retirees move to these areas, Mr Watkins said.

And dealing with the increasing number of dementia sufferers will be a "huge challenge", he said.

"It is essential that we start building better care and support for people with dementia and their family carers.

"We need to build better community and residential care facilities, better support systems, and decrease the stigma and social isolation that often comes with the disease."