Alarming rise in dementia cases

September 13, 2025

Australia is expected to face a sharp rise in dementia cases, with more than 1.1 million people projected to be living with the condition by 2065, according to new government data. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released its updated *Dementia in Australia* report on Friday, showing cases will more than double from about 425,000 in 2024 to 1.1 million in the next four decades. T h e b u r d e n w i l l f a l l disproportionately on women, who currently outnumber men with dementia.

In 2024, 266,000 women and 159,000 men are estimated to have the condition. By 2065, the figures are expected to climb to 662,000 women and 390,000 men. The report highlighted that dementia was the leading cause of death in Australia in 2023, responsible for about 17,400 deaths. Of these, 10,900 were women and 6,500 men. Dementia includes Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and unspecified forms.

The findings were released in the lead-up to Dementia Action Week, scheduled from September 15 to 21, and underline the growing social and health impact of the condition. Dementia Australia CEO Tanya Buchanan said the updated figures illustrate the immense strain on families and caregivers nationwide. Carers play a critical role in supporting people with dementia. In 2022, about 42 per cent of primary carers provided at least 60 hours of unpaid care each week.

Many families continue to rely heavily on this support, which the report said is vital to daily living and longterm management.Dementia is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms that affect memory, reasoning, language, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It results from diseases that damage brain cells, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause.

Symptoms may include memory loss, difficulties with communication, personality changes, impaired judgment, and problems with movement or coordination.

While dementia is more common in older age, it is not a normal part of ageing. About 5 to 8 per cent of people aged over 65 live with some form of dementia, and the prevalence doubles approximately every five years beyond that age. By 85, as many as half of all people are affected. The AIHW said the projected increase poses a significant challenge for Australia’s health system, aged care services, and support networks in the coming decades.