Sydney: Dementia has overtaken all other illnesses as the leading cause of death in Australia, with health experts warning the number of people living with the condition could exceed one million within four decades unless urgent action is taken.
A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals dementia accounted for nearly 17,400 deaths in 2023 almost one in ten nationwide. It is now the leading cause of death for women and second only to heart disease for men.
Currently, more than 425,000 Australians are estimated to be living with dementia, a figure projected to rise to almost 1.1 million by 2065 a 2.5‑fold increase. The AIHW warns that prevention measures in early and mid‑life, such as promoting brain health, could significantly reduce future cases.
Dementia Australia chief executive Tanya Buchanan said the findings highlight the urgent need for a national conversation on brain health. “We simply cannot afford to wait,” she said. “By taking a comprehensive approach, we can reduce the impact of dementia into the future.”
The report also underscores the economic burden, with dementia care costing Australia nearly $3.7 billion in 2020-21, almost half of which was spent on residential aged care services.
The release comes ahead of Dementia Action Week, which aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage community support for those affected.
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