If you think dementia is a normal part of ageing, Think Again

At the start of Dementia Action Week 2025 (15-21 September), Dementia Australia is joining News Corp in
urging Australians to Think Again about dementia.

According to the latest update of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) Dementia in
Australia report, dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians.

The AIHW report found that without a significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia
will exceed 1 million by 2065.

Currently there are an estimated 433,000 Australians living with dementia – including 29,000 diagnosed
under the age of 65 – and 1.7 million people involved in their care.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said while these figures may be alarming, if you think
there’s nothing you can do about dementia, think again.

Professor Buchanan said the AIHW Dementia in Australia report – updated last week – revealed that
43 per cent of the dementia burden in Australia can be attributed to six modifiable risk factors: being
overweight or obese, physical inactivity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure in midlife, smoking and
impaired kidney function.

“More than a quarter of Australians (28 per cent) incorrectly believe there is nothing they can do to reduce
the risk of dementia¹,” she said.

“But there are things you can do now.”

¹ June 2024 Dementia Australia IPSOS (omnibus) survey to understand Australians’ perception and knowledge of dementia.

That includes:
• Download the BrainTrack app: This is a free app created by Dementia Australia to help monitor
changes over time. The app uses simple games to track memory and thinking skills, generating reports
people can take to their GP, making it easier to spot issues early.

• Book in with your GP to talk about brain health: Most Australians don’t realise they can have a
proactive conversation with their GP about dementia risk factors, just as they would for their heart or
blood pressure. Early checks around diet, sleep, exercise and lifestyle can make a measurable
difference to long-term brain health.

• Complete the CogDrisk dementia risk test: A free online tool developed by leading Australian
researchers gives people a personalised picture of their dementia risk and practical steps to reduce it.
“Dementia affects Australians of all ages and is the public health, disability and aged care challenge facing
Australia. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and is largely missing from chronic disease, public health
and disability strategies across the country,” Professor Buchanan said.

“We must change this now.”

Professor Buchanan said one of the most compelling stories people living with dementia, their families and
carers continue to share with Dementia Australia is the difficulty they face in consistently accessing the right
information, guidance and services.

“Too often, people struggle to navigate a diagnosis, understand their condition, and connect with the health,
disability and aged care systems to find dementia-appropriate support that enables them to maintain
independence, health and wellbeing,” she said.

“That’s why Dementia Australia is calling for a national network of Dementia Specialist Navigators. These
trusted professionals would work with individuals and families to identify priorities, provide expert advice,
and connect them to the right services across multiple systems.

“Childhood dementia impacts one in 2,800 children, with half dying before the age of 10. We are also
supporting the call for a national centre of excellence for childhood dementia.”

Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Nell Hawe said it’s important to educate people and create
awareness.

“People are aware of other chronic diseases but people aren’t aware of dementia and how prevalent it is,”
Ms Hawe said.

“We need to take action now – we need funding, resources and a trained workforce.”

Dementia Australia is joining News Corp in asking Australians to Think Again about dementia.

“On behalf of all Australians living with dementia, their families and carers, I’d like to thank News Corp for
highlighting the important issues surrounding dementia through the Think Again campaign,” Professor
Buchanan said.

Find out more here thinkagaindementia.com.au. For more information about Dementia Action Week and
how you can get involved, visit dementia.org.au/dementiaactionweek.

-Ends-

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated 433,300 Australians living with
dementia, and the estimated 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital
research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how
you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National
Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au

Media contacts: Gabrielle Prabhu, 0447 253 583, gabrielle.prabhu@dementia.org.au

When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.

Note to Editors: We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news
stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7
days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.