Dementia accounts for more than 10 per cent of all deaths in Australia

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released today as part of the Causes of Death, Australia 2025 report, reveals dementia remains Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for more than 10 per cent of all deaths in Australia for the first time. 

This is almost double the rates reported by the ABS in 2006, when dementia was the fourth leading cause of death and accounted for 5 per cent of all deaths. 

Dementia has been the leading cause of death for women in Australia since 2016. The latest data shows there were almost twice as many deaths from dementia than ischaemic heart diseases, the second leading cause of death for women. Women accounted for 61.1 per cent of all dementia deaths.

Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said the new data reinforces the urgent need to act on dementia now and raise awareness of the condition as a leading public health issue affecting Australians. 

“The data underlines the critical need for more recognition and funding to support people living with dementia, their families and carers,” Professor Buchanan said.

“Despite the growing impact of dementia, investment in specific services, supports and prevention have not kept the same pace, and the stigma that surrounds dementia continues. This needs to change.

“There are an estimated 446,500 Australians currently living with dementia, and a further 1.7 million people involved in their care. Without significant intervention, this is expected to increase to more than one million by 2065. 

“With the numbers rising, Dementia Australia will continue to advocate for ongoing investment in the National Dementia Action plan to improve the lives and care of all Australians impacted by dementia.

“Dementia Australia wants all Australians to know we are here to support anyone impacted by any type of dementia at any age. The National Dementia Helpline is available 24/7 for confidential information and support on 1800 100 500 or by visiting dementia.org.au.”

For more details about the ABS report, visit their website.

For dementia information and support, contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or by visiting dementia.org.au.

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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au 

Media contacts: Catherine McCarthy, Media and Communications Advisor, 0466 796 201, [email protected] 

When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.

Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.