Ahead of Dementia Action Week, a new report has revealed dementia has become the leading cause of death among Australians.
As Australia’s population ages, it’s predicted the number of people with dementia will only increase. In 40 years, it is expected there will be more than one million people living with the disease.
Dementia is now the leading cause of death for women and second behind coronary heart disease for men. Last year it was estimated there were 416,000 people living with dementia. This equates to 16 people per 1000. The rate of dementia climbs quickly with age, from less than one person per 1000 for those aged between 30 and 59, to 210 people per 1000 aged between 85 and 89.
So what are the challenges those with dementia face and what needs to be done?
What are some of the challenges those with dementia in Australia face?
Not only do those living with dementia have to deal with challenges surrounding reduced cognitive functioning, they also have to confront stigmas associated with the disease. A major challenge people with dementia face is that their family and friends drift away from them after diagnosis. This leaves many feeling isolated at the very time they need support most.
For those caring for loved ones with dementia, it’s essential appropriate support is provided. Two in five carers for people with dementia provide at least 60 hours a week of unpaid care, often around the clock. This level of commitment can take a heavy toll, with carers reporting exhaustion, financial strain and reduced opportunities to work or study. Without targeted respite services and better access to resources, many carers risk burning out. This affects the quality of care their loved ones receive.
What needs to be done?
Experts say that a public awareness of dementia campaign is urgently needed. Thirty-eight per cent of Australians rate their knowledge of dementia and its early warning signs as low. A stronger focus on education would not only help reduce stigma but also ensure earlier diagnosis and access to care.
In particular, as the first point of call for those experiencing symptoms, general practitioners should be trained to better identify the early warning signs of dementia. This could lead to more timely referrals to specialists, improved treatment plans and a better quality of life for those living with the disease.
While there is no cure for dementia, people should be educated on how they can reduce their risk. Research suggests that lifestyle changes such as staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular mental stimulation and maintaining strong social connections can all contribute to better brain health. Encouraging people to adopt these habits earlier in life could help reduce the overall prevalence of dementia in the decades ahead.
With dementia on the rise, the need for skilled and compassionate aged care professionals has never been greater. From carers and nurses to lifestyle coordinators and support staff, aged care workers play a vital role in helping individuals and their families manage these challenges with dignity and respect. The demand for aged care staff is projected to grow significantly. Estimates suggest Australia will need hundreds of thousands more workers by 2050. This presents an opportunity for those considering a meaningful and rewarding career in the sector.
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Article References
Aged Care Insite (15 September 2025) ‘Report reveals rise in dementia diagnoses and deaths among Australians’, Aged Care Insite, accessed 18 September 2025.
Australian Institute Of Health & Wellbeing (12 September 2025) ‘Dementia in Australia’, Dementia In Australia, accessed 18 September 2025.
Saleh, A (15 September 2025) ‘‘Act now’: Dementia is the biggest Aussie killer no one can afford to ignore’, News.com.au, accessed 18 September 2025