Dementia now Australia's leading cause of death
A 2025 report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) officially declared dementia as the leading cause of death in Australia for the first time. In 2023, dementia was responsible for nearly 17,400 deaths, making up about one in ten deaths nationally, a notable increase from 8,500 deaths in 2009.
This increase is linked to an aging population and improved methods for identifying and classifying dementia on death certificates. The AIHW and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) use slightly different methods for counting dementia-related deaths, but both agree on the rising trend.
Disparities by gender and age
Dementia is the leading cause of death for Australian women, but it ranks second for men, after coronary heart disease. This difference is likely because women generally live longer and are more prone to age-related conditions like dementia.
The AIHW data also shows the impact on younger Australians. In 2025, around 29,000 Australians had younger-onset dementia, a number predicted to grow to 41,000 by 2054. This includes individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, challenging the idea that dementia only affects the elderly.
The impact on families and the healthcare system
The rise of dementia has significant consequences for families and the healthcare system. Over 101,900 Australians are estimated to provide unpaid care for someone with dementia, often spending more than 60 hours weekly. This highlights the personal burden on carers, which the Australian government is addressing through a Dementia Action Plan.
Dementia also represents a substantial financial cost. In 2020-21, nearly $3.7 billion in health and aged care spending was related to dementia, much of which went to residential aged care. As the number of people with dementia is expected to exceed one million by 2065, these costs will continue to increase.
Leading causes of death: Dementia vs. Heart Disease
| Feature | Dementia (Including Alzheimer's) | Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status (2025) | Leading Cause of Death overall in Australia. | Second Leading Cause of Death overall in Australia. |
| Status by Gender | Leading cause for women; second for men. | Leading cause for men; a lower rank for women. |
| Underlying Factors | Age, genetics, and modifiable risks like obesity and physical inactivity. | Lifestyle factors, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. |
| Impact on Families | High levels of social isolation for patients and significant burden on informal carers. | Can lead to sudden events (e.g., heart attack), but progression is different from dementia. |
| Trends Over Time | Mortality rates are increasing due to factors like population aging and improved diagnosis. | Mortality rates have been generally decreasing over time due to better treatments and prevention. |
Modifiable risk factors and prevention
While some dementia risk factors like age and genetics are fixed, many are linked to lifestyle and can be modified. For example, research suggests that vigorous exercise may help lower brain inflammation markers, emphasizing the importance of physical activity.
Key modifiable risk factors include:
- Obesity and being overweight.
- Physical inactivity.
- High blood sugar.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- High blood pressure.
- Untreated hearing and vision loss.
A call for national action
Given that dementia is the leading killer, there are calls for increased national focus and funding for awareness and intervention efforts. Organisations like Dementia Australia are advocating for a national campaign to promote brain health for all age groups. Focusing on prevention and early action is crucial for addressing this growing public health issue and supporting those affected.
Conclusion
The confirmation that dementia is Australia's biggest killer is a critical moment for public health. This statistic, reported by the AIHW in 2025, reflects both the impact of an aging population and improved reporting. While a major challenge, particularly for women and carers, focusing on modifiable risk factors offers a way to reduce impact. Greater investment in research and care, along with national awareness campaigns, are vital steps to address the effects of this disease. For more information, visit the Dementia Australia website.
