Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians, according to the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Dementia in Australia update.
The latest AIHW update coincides with Dementia Action Week 2025 which runs from Monday 15 September to Sunday 21 September, and includes World Alzheimer’s Day on Sunday 21 September.
Without a significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia will exceed one million by 2065, according to AIHW data.
The 2025 Dementia Action Week theme Nobody can do it alone reflects the enormous impact of dementia on families and calls on Australians to reconnect with someone impacted by dementia.
“Most of us know someone who is or has been impacted by dementia,” said Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan.
“People affected by dementia often tell us that friends and family drift away after a diagnosis, because they are unsure of how to interact. We are challenging Australians to reconnect with someone impacted by dementia to help combat the high levels of social isolation many experience.”
The AIHW report found that 43% of the dementia burden in Australia can be attributed to six modifiable risk factors: being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure in midlife, smoking and impaired kidney function.
Dementia Australia is calling on the federal government to commit to funding a national conversation on dementia to raise awareness and promote brain health at all ages.
“With aged care across the country already under pressure, and the number of people living with dementia expected to exceed one million by 2065, we simply cannot afford to wait,” said Professor Buchanan.
“By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing dementia, we can reduce the impact of dementia into the future.”
Practical information, toolkits and resources are available for consumers and health professionals at the Dementia Australia Dementia Action Week webpage
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.
