>> MULTIMEDIA SPECIAL: Love amid loss as dementia takes hold

FRIGHTENING new statistics reveal the number of residents in the Yarra Ranges with dementia is expected to skyrocket by 298 per cent by 2050.

The figures, commissioned by Alzheimers Australia Vic, project the number of Yarra Ranges residents living with dementia will grow from 1543 to more than 6000 in less than 40 years, placing a heavy toll on the districts medical and care services.

The shock figures come as Caladenia Dementia Care in Mooroolbark campaigns for $1.7 million funding to build a dementia-specific overnight respite centre.

Manager Sarah Yeates said there was an enormous and growing need for the centre.

The care that happens in nursing homes is just not suitable for people with dementia, especially for those in the early stages, Ms Yeates said.

She said they were seeing an increasing demand for their services particularly from younger people, with their youngest patient just 34.

The community has already raised $85,000 for the project, but Ms Yeates said they were continuing to appeal for funding from state and federal governments.

Among those who will benefit from respite care is Coldstreams Gerda and Marty De Clercq (pictured).

Two-and-a-half years ago Mr De Clercq, 68, was diagnosed with dementia and his wife is his sole carer.

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MULTIMEDIA SPECIAL: Don't forget Yarra Ranges dementia sufferers