Dementia now the leading cause of death in Australia
15 Sep 2025
Dementia has become the leading cause of death in Australia, with new data showing cases are rising and will continue to grow in the coming decades.
The Dementia in Australia report, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) ahead of Dementia Action Week, shows that in 2024 around 425,000 Australians were living with the condition. By 2065, that number is expected to surpass one million.
Dr Anthony Marinucci, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Aged Care, said the findings are a clear “call to action” for the Federal Government to better integrate brain health into primary care.
“GPs are often the first point of contact for most Australians, so we play a crucial role,” Dr Marinucci said. “We need an Australian-based approach that covers prevention, early intervention and ongoing care.”
The report found that 43% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable risk factors such as obesity, high blood sugar and lack of physical activity. Dr Marinucci said this highlights the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and referral to specialist care when needed.
He also called for a formalised framework to guide GPs in managing dementia care, noting that while the Federal Government’s National Dementia Action Plan 2024–34 is a step forward, it must be more closely connected to clinical practice.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan echoed the urgency, saying it is “more pressing than ever” for the government to fund a national conversation on brain health, given the rising demand on aged care and health services.
Experts also pointed to vaccination as an underused tool in reducing risks for people with dementia, especially in aged care. Low vaccination uptake among residents remains a concern, with evidence suggesting a possible link between infectious diseases and dementia risk.
“Right now, the focus has to be on what we know works—reducing risk factors, improving early diagnosis and ensuring patients get the right care,” Dr Marinucci said.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Dementia in Australia report
