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Young-Onset Dementia Cases in Australia to Surge 40% by 2054

The number of Australians under 65 living with dementia is projected to increase by 40% to 41,000 by 2054. Dementia became the leading cause of death in Australia in 2024, accounting for 9.4% of all deaths. Overall, the total number of Australians with dementia is expected to more than double to over one million by 2065. Dementia Australia is calling for a national brain health campaign and expanded support services to address the growing crisis.

Key Points: Australia's Young-Onset Dementia Set to Rise 40% by 2054

  • 40% projected rise in young-onset dementia by 2054
  • Dementia is now Australia's leading cause of death
  • Over 1 million Australians expected to have dementia by 2065
  • Call for national brain health campaign and support services
  • 1,500 Australian children live with childhood dementia
2 min read

Number of Australians with young-onset dementia set to rise 40 pc by 2054

New data projects a 40% increase in Australians under 65 with dementia by 2054, with dementia now the leading cause of death in the country.

"Australia is recognised internationally for its strengths in dementia care, support and research, but the system still has areas that need improvement. - Tanya Buchanan"

Canberra, Feb 5

The number of Australians younger than 65 living with dementia is projected to increase by 40 per cent by 2054, according to new data released on Thursday.

The data from Dementia Australia, the national peak body supporting people living with dementia and their families, revealed that the number of Australians estimated to be living with dementia has increased to 446,500, up from 433,300 in 2025.

Dementia Australia said that 29,000 Australians aged 18-65 are living with young-onset dementia, and that the figure is projected to increase by over 40 per cent to an estimated 41,000 by 2054.

Additionally, it said that an estimated 1,500 children in Australia live with childhood dementia.

Dementia became the leading cause of death in Australia for the first time in 2024, accounting for 9.4 per cent of all deaths according to official data.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said in a report published in December that the number of Australians living with dementia is set to more than double to over one million by 2065.

Tanya Buchanan, chief executive officer of Dementia Australia, said in a media release on Thursday that Australia has a critical need for a national programme to promote brain health and for quality care and support services for people of all ages living with dementia, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Australia is recognised internationally for its strengths in dementia care, support and research, but the system still has areas that need improvement," she said.

The organisation has called for the federal government to launch a comprehensive brain health campaign, roll out a national network of support services and build the capability of the workforce to care for people living with dementia.

Dementia is a syndrome that can be caused by a number of diseases which over time destroy nerve cells and damage the brain, typically leading to deterioration in cognitive function (i.e. the ability to process thought) beyond what might be expected from the usual consequences of biological ageing. While consciousness is not affected, the impairment in cognitive function is commonly accompanied, and occasionally preceded, by changes in mood, emotional control, behaviour, or motivation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A 40% rise in young-onset dementia is alarming! 😟 Makes you think about modern lifestyle factors - stress, diet, pollution. We should learn from Australia's call for a brain health campaign. Maybe we need something similar here in India.
A
Aditya G
The part about 1,500 children with childhood dementia is heartbreaking. As a parent, this hits home. More research funding is desperately needed worldwide. Kudos to Dementia Australia for pushing for a national programme.
S
Sarah B
While the article is well-researched, I respectfully think it could have highlighted more on preventative measures individuals can take. Diet, mental exercise, and social connection are things we can all work on, regardless of nationality.
V
Vikram M
Becoming the leading cause of death is a serious wake-up call. In India, we often dismiss forgetfulness in elders as just "budhape ki baat" (a thing of old age). We need more awareness that it could be a medical condition requiring attention.
K
Karthik V
The projected doubling to over a million cases by 2065 shows the scale of the challenge. It's not just healthcare, but also about building dementia-friendly communities and workplaces. Support for families is crucial too.

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