It is projected that by 2025, over one million people in Australia will be living with dementia, statistics many say need to be acted on now.
Data released by Dementia Australia has revealed that the number of Australians living with dementia in 2026 has increased to an estimated 446,500, statistics projected to more than double to over one million people by 2065.
The data also highlights that dementia impacts Australians of all ages, with an estimated 29,000 people living with young-onset dementia (a diagnosis of any kind of dementia when you’re aged 18-65). This figure is projected to increase to an estimated 41,000 by 2054. Additionally, an estimated 1,500 children live with childhood dementia in Australia.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said that with the number of people developing dementia rapidly increasing, and dementia now the leading cause of death for Australians, there is a need to act now on dementia, with significant and sustained intervention.
“There is a critical demand for a national program to promote brain health throughout our lives as well as a pressing need to provide quality care and support services for people of all ages living with dementia, their families and carers,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Dementia Australia is calling for essential investment from the Federal Government in implementing the National Dementia Action Plan, a ten-year government framework released in late 2024, aiming to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.”
Australia is recognised internationally for its strengths in dementia care, support and research, but the system still has areas that need improvement. Funding the delivery of the National Dementia Action Plan is essential for all Australians impacted by dementia.
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Rebecca Scouller cares for her mother Charlotte, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017 and now lives in residential aged care. Rebecca is passionate about advocating for funding, navigation and support for people living with dementia and their carers.
“Dementia is likely to touch all our lives at some point in time.” Ms Scouller said.
“The National Dementia Action Plan needs to be costed and then incorporated into the budget. We need urgent investment now.”
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