Dementia remains the leading cause of death in Australia
Dementia Australia
Updates to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Dementia in Australia report show the significant and growing impact of dementia as a chronic disease and reinforce the urgent need to act on dementia now.
Dementia remains the leading cause of death in Australia and the report also notes that without significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to increase to close to 1.1 million by 2066.
The update also reports that in 2024, dementia was the second leading cause of disease burden, which measures the overall impact of a disease in terms of the number of people it affects and the impact on their lives. In 2011, dementia was the 5th-leading cause of disease burden, demonstrating the significant increase in the impact of dementia on our community.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the updated report shows the increasing impact of dementia in Australia and underscores the need to invest in dementia specific care and support services.
“The report highlights the clear and growing impact of dementia as a chronic disease. There is no time to lose when it comes to investing in dementia services, supports and prevention,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Dementia is a leading public health issue, but it still doesn’t receive the recognition and funding it needs. The data shows dementia as a burden of disease has increased relative to other conditions for that past two decades but despite this, investment in dementia specific services and supports have not kept pace.
“The data reinforces the need for funding to implement the National Dementia Action Plan. It is critical that we support people living with dementia, their families and carers, who have been vocal in sharing what they need through consultations and the development of the National Dementia Action Plan.
“With an estimated 446,500 Australians living with dementia, 1.7 million people involved in their care and these numbers on the rise according to our figures, Dementia Australia will continue to advocate for a national brain health campaign and for additional investment to support all Australians living with dementia, their families and carers.”
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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: 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:
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.
Dementia Australia figures are sourced from Dementia Australia, Commissioned AIHW Dementia Prevalence Data 2024-2054. 2023, Dementia Australia. Further information is available at https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-facts-and-figures