Health

Updates to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Dementia in Australia report show the significant and growing impact of dementia as a chronic disease and reinforce the urgent need to act on dementia now.

Dementia remains the leading cause of death in Australia and the report also notes that without significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to increase to close to 1.1 million by 2066.

The update also reports that in 2024, dementia was the second leading cause of disease burden, which measures the overall impact of a disease in terms of the number of people it affects and the impact on their lives. In 2011, dementia was the 5th-leading cause of disease burden, demonstrating the significant increase in the impact of dementia on our community.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the updated report shows the increasing impact of dementia in Australia and underscores the need to invest in dementia specific care and support services.

“The report highlights the clear and growing impact of dementia as a chronic disease. There is no time to lose when it comes to investing in dementia services, supports and prevention,” Professor Buchanan said.

“Dementia is a leading public health issue, but it still doesn’t receive the recognition and funding it needs. The data shows dementia as a burden of disease has increased relative to other conditions for that past two decades but despite this, investment in dementia specific services and supports have not kept pace.

“The data reinforces the need for funding to implement the National Dementia Action Plan. 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.

“With an estimated 446,500 Australians living with dementia, 1.7 million people involved in their care and these numbers on the rise according to our figures, Dementia Australia will continue to advocate for a national brain health campaign and for additional investment to support all Australians living with dementia, their families and carers.”

-Dementia Action Week 2026 will be held from Monday 21 September to Sunday 27 September, focusing on raising awareness and supporting people living with dementia.

Dementia Action Week, led by Dementia Australia, is a national awareness initiative aimed at improving public understanding of dementia, reducing stigma, and fostering supportive communities for those affected

. In 2026, an estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia, with over 1.7 million people involved in their care

. The campaign emphasizes that dementia is not a normal part of aging and encourages conversations to promote early diagnosis, access to support services, and community engagement

Purpose and Goals

The week seeks to:

Encourage open conversations about dementia to reduce isolation and stigma

Promote early diagnosis and awareness of available support services

Empower families, carers, and individuals with knowledge and resources

Inspire communities, workplaces, and councils to become dementia-friendly

How to Get Involved

Individuals, community groups, schools, and organizations can participate by:

Hosting or attending local events, workshops, or information sessions

Promoting dementia-friendly practices in workplaces, businesses, and public spaces

Volunteering to support events, community engagement, or fundraising initiatives

Engaging with local councils to advocate for dementia-friendly communities

Dementia Australia provides toolkits, digital resources, and free resource packs to help participants organize events and activities

Even small actions, such as initiating conversations about dementia, contribute to the broader goals of the campaign

Key Contact and Support

For advice, information, or support, the National Dementia Helpline is available 24/7 at 1800 100 500

dementia.org.au

This service offers confidential guidance for individuals, carers, and community members.

Dementia Action Week 2026 is an opportunity for all Australians to raise awareness, support those living with dementia, and create more inclusive communities