Dementia Now Australia’s Leading Cause of Death: Urgent Call to “Act Now”

Dementia has become the leading cause of death in Australia, with experts warning that urgent action is needed to tackle the growing crisis. More than 433,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to surpass one million by 2065, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

Among them is Nell Hawe, who first noticed worrying signs in her late 40s. A dedicated educator who once taught others about dementia, she began forgetting lessons and losing track of her driving routes. Despite recognising the symptoms in herself, Nell faced years of misdiagnosis.

“For four years I fought for a diagnosis of dementia,” Nell recalled. Doctors dismissed her concerns as stress or other issues until, at 52, she was finally diagnosed with young onset dementia.

Her story sheds light on the stigma, delays, and lack of awareness surrounding dementia in Australia. The condition is an umbrella term for multiple diseases that impair brain function, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and more.

Shockingly, dementia also affects younger Australians, with almost 1,000 children living with rare forms of childhood dementia.

Experts say that breaking the stigma, improving diagnosis, and investing in research and support services are crucial. News Corp Australia has launched the Think Again campaign to normalise conversations about dementia and create a more supportive community.

“Dementia is not just an older person’s condition,” Nell said. “We need education, compassion, and action now.”