FORMER librarian Heather Robertson-Clarke can no longer read or write and is slowly losing her speech.

The Hawthorn East resident knows first-hand the effects of dementia after being diagnosed with the cruel and debilitating disease three years ago.

She is just one of thousands across Boroondara suffering from the affliction.

And the number of Boroondara residents with dementia is expected to skyrocket 170 per cent by 2050, a new study has revealed.

The figures, commissioned by Alzheimers Australia Vic, projected Boroondara residents living with dementia will balloon from 2582 today to more than 6900 in less than 40 years, placing a heavy toll on the districts medical and care services.

Alzheimers Australia Vic chief executive Maree McCabe said the prevalence of dementia would cost the nation $83 billion a year by 2050, which will exceed any other medical condition.

(The figures) really are frightening - its really important we are proactive, Ms McCabe said.

Almost 72,000 Victorians have dementia, which is expected to boom to 246,000 by 2050, according to the study by Deloitte Access Economics.

Prof David Ames, director of Parkvilles National Ageing Research Institute, said statistics revealed there would be as many Victorians with dementia in 2050 as there are Australians presently with the condition.

Ms McCabe said early detection was key.

Read more:
Dementia alarm bells in Boroondara