DEMENTIA remains the leading cause of death in Australia, with new figures warning the number of Australians living with the condition could climb to almost 1.1 million within the next four decades.
Updated data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Dementia in Australia report has highlighted the growing impact of the condition, which is also rapidly becoming one of the nation’s greatest causes of disease burden.
In 2024, dementia was the second-leading cause of disease burden in Australia, a measure which considers both the number of people affected by a condition and its impact on their lives.
That represents a significant rise from 2011, when dementia ranked as the fifth-leading cause of disease burden.
There are an estimated 446,500 Australians currently living with dementia, while about 1.7 million people are involved in their care.
Without significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia is projected to approach 1.1 million by 2066.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the figures demonstrated the need for greater investment in dementia-specific services, support and prevention.
“The report highlights the clear and growing impact of dementia as a chronic disease,” Professor Buchanan said.
“There is no time to lose when it comes to investing in dementia services, supports and prevention.
“Dementia is a leading public health issue, but it still doesn’t receive the recognition and funding it needs.”
Professor Buchanan said dementia’s contribution to Australia’s overall disease burden had increased relative to other conditions during the past two decades, while investment in specialist services and supports had failed to keep pace.
She said the latest figures strengthened the case for funding to implement the National Dementia Action Plan and ensuring people living with dementia, their families and carers had access to appropriate support.
“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,” she said.
Dementia Australia is also calling for a national brain health campaign and further investment in services as Australia prepares for a substantial increase in the number of people affected by dementia.
