Dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, but new research says we are not talking about it enough
Dementia Australia
Dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, but new research says we are not talking about it enough
Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, but according to new research released today by Dementia Australia, seven in 10 respondents say it is a topic not discussed openly enough.
The YouGov research, commissioned by Dementia Australia and released to coincide with Dementia Action Week and World Alzheimer’s Day, also found that more than half of respondents report having little to no knowledge about dementia, and, while close to all respondents are aware of dementia, only one in 10 say they know a lot about it.
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said these findings highlight the critical need for a national conversation about dementia to increase understanding, whilst reducing the stigma that still surrounds the condition.
“Dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, and, with close to half a million Australians living with dementia and this number on the rise, now is absolutely the time to talk about dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.
“When dementia stays out of the national conversation, the cost impacts more than the individual. It leaves people alone when they need connection most. Care standards stagnate. The systems that should support people don't keep pace. Policy attention, research, funding - all of it follows where the national conversation goes.
“Our research found that skin cancer and sun safety, mental health and heart health are all discussed more openly than dementia.
“As a nation, we have done a good job in having these really important conversations about skin cancer, with national campaigns like slip slop slap seek and slide, we ask each other if we are ok, and we have long talked about heart health – as we should. These conversations have made a real difference. But with dementia, we’re not there yet, and now is the time to start talking.
“The research also found that eight in 10 respondents who had a personal connection to dementia say that they or someone they know has experienced stigma, exclusion disrespect or unequal treatment; including assumptions being made about what someone can or cannot do, or being left out of social activities.
“Through conversations, such as those we’re asking you to have this Dementia Action Week, we can work to dismantle this stigma and instead create a more welcoming and inclusive dementia-friendly Australia.”
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Gina Callan, who lives with dementia, said conversations about dementia don’t have to be grounded in expertise to be meaningful and valuable.
“Curiosity encourages conversations,” Gina said.
“Asking questions, listening and being open to different experiences can help build understanding and reduces the stigma that surrounds dementia. Spending time with people who live with dementia can help others understand what we want them to know and can help answer the questions they might be too afraid to ask directly.”
This Dementia Action Week, Dementia Australia is asking everyone to join the conversation. Everyone has a voice and a role to play, and every conversation will make a difference to people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Dementia Action Week 2026 is from 21 – 27 September. World Alzheimer’s Day is on 21 September.
For more information about how to get involved with Dementia Action Week, visit dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week
For dementia information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au
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: Andrea Hogan, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 0406 904 118, [email protected] or Kelly Horn, Media Relations and Communications Advisor, 0420 729 876, [email protected]
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
About the survey:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1049 Australian adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th - 27th August 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
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.