Dementia statistics in Australia: Key figures and insights

Understanding dementia statistics in Australia

Dementia affects more than 421,000 Australians, and its impact reaches far beyond those diagnosed. Across the country, more than 1.6 million caregivers including partners, children, friends, neighbours and community members, all play a role in supporting someone living with dementia. These numbers reflect a major and growing health issue that touches individuals, families and communities in every region of Australia.

As the population ages and awareness increases, understanding dementia statistics in Australia becomes even more important. Clear, accessible information helps people recognise the scale of the condition, understand its impact, and feel empowered to seek support early. It also helps communities, service providers and policymakers plan for the future, ensuring that people living with dementia can continue to live well, stay connected and feel supported.

This article expands on the key insights from our dementia infographic, offering a deeper look at the data and what it means for Australians today.

Dementia Statistics Australia: Key Facts and Figures

Key dementia facts

• Dementia in Australia

  Dementia is now the second leading cause of death for all Australians. For Australian women, it is the leading cause of death, surpassing heart disease and other chronic conditions. This reflects not only the prevalence of dementia but also the need for early diagnosis, ongoing support, and community awareness.

• Residential aged care

  Dementia is highly prevalent in residential aged care settings. Around 54% of people living in permanent residential aged care have a diagnosis of dementia. This means more than half of all residents require specialised support, dementia‑friendly environments, and staff trained in person‑centred dementia care.

• Impact on carers

  More than 1.6 million Australians are involved in caring for someone living with dementia. Carers may provide emotional support, help with daily tasks, coordinate appointments, manage medications, or simply offer companionship and reassurance.

• Younger onset dementia

  Younger onset dementia, which is diagnosed in people under the age of 65, affects a growing number of Australians. In 2024, almost 29,000 people were estimated to be living with younger onset dementia. This number is projected to rise to almost 41,000 people by 2054.

Why awareness matters

Awareness is a powerful tool. When communities understand dementia statistics in Australia, they are better equipped to recognise early signs, seek support, and advocate for accessible services. Awareness also helps reduce stigma, encourages open conversations and fosters environments where people living with dementia feel valued and included.

Sharing information such as infographics, articles and personal stories, helps build a more informed and compassionate community. As the number of Australians living with dementia continues to rise, collective understanding becomes essential to ensuring that no one faces dementia alone.

Learn more and access support about dementia

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding or support someone living with dementia, these related articles may be helpful:

For additional guidance and practical insights, you may also find these related articles helpful:

• Understanding dementia better
• Supporting you to care for a loved one with dementia
• Creating meaningful activities for seniors living with dementia

If you or someone you care for is experiencing memory changes, our Memory Wellness program offers research‑based support designed to keep the brain active, build social connection and enhance wellbeing through personalised, evidence‑informed care.

By learning more about dementia statistics in Australia and sharing this knowledge, we can all play a role in creating a more supportive, informed and connected community for older Australians and their families.