dementia deaths in Australia Dementia deaths in Australia have surpassed one in 10 for the first time, with 19,019 deaths recorded in 2025. Here’s what the latest data reveals.
Dementia has reached a troubling milestone in Australia, accounting for more than one in every 10 deaths nationwide for the first time. New figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that dementia deaths in Australia continued to rise in 2025, cementing the condition’s position as the country’s leading cause of death.
The latest figures highlight the growing impact of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, on Australian families and the healthcare system. They also underline the importance of awareness, early assessment and support for people living with the condition and those caring for them.
Dementia Accounts for More Than 10% of Australian Deaths
According to the ABS report released on October 27, 2026, dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, was responsible for 19,019 deaths in Australia in 2025. That represented 10.1% of all registered deaths during the year.
It was the first time dementia had accounted for more than 10% of all deaths in the country. The proportion has nearly doubled since 2006, when dementia represented around 5% of deaths and ranked as Australia’s fourth-leading cause of death.
The figures show how significantly the country’s mortality patterns have changed over the past two decades. Dementia has moved from a lower position in the rankings to become a major public health concern.
Dementia Remains Australia’s Leading Cause of Death
Dementia ranked first among Australia’s leading causes of death in 2025, ahead of ischaemic heart disease.
| Cause of death | Deaths in 2025 | Share of all deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease | 19,019 | 10.1% |
| Ischaemic heart disease | 16,228 | 8.6% |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 9,263 | Not specified here |
| Lung cancer | 9,134 | Not specified here |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 9,055 | Not specified here |
The ABS data shows that 2,791 more deaths were attributed to dementia than to ischaemic heart disease in 2025. Heart disease had been Australia’s leading cause of death for many years, but its position has changed as deaths linked to dementia have increased and deaths from ischaemic heart disease have declined.
These statistics describe recorded underlying causes of death. They do not mean that every person with dementia dies directly from the condition, or that dementia affects only older Australians.
Women Account for More Than 60% of Dementia Deaths
Women accounted for 11,628 of the 19,019 dementia deaths recorded in 2025, representing 61.1% of the total.
Dementia has been the leading cause of death among Australian women since 2016. In 2025, the number of female deaths attributed to dementia was almost twice the number attributed to ischaemic heart disease, the second-leading cause of death among women.
Age and population patterns are important when interpreting these figures. Dementia is strongly associated with older age, and women tend to live longer than men on average. The statistics alone do not explain all the differences between men and women.
Why Are Dementia Deaths Increasing?
Several factors help explain the growing number of deaths attributed to dementia.
1. Australia’s Ageing Population
As more Australians live into older age, the number of people at risk of developing dementia increases. The ABS reported a median age at death of 88.3 years for people whose underlying cause of death was dementia in 2025.
2. Dementia Is Becoming More Prominent in Mortality Statistics
Dementia accounted for 13,854 deaths in 2016, compared with 19,019 in 2025. That is an increase of 37.3% over the period.
The increase in recorded deaths reflects changes in the number of deaths attributed to dementia, but it should not be interpreted as proof that an individual’s risk has risen by the same percentage.
3. Dementia Can Affect Everyday Health and Independence
Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that affect memory, thinking, communication and the ability to manage everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is one of its most common forms.
As dementia progresses, a person may need increasing assistance with daily life. Complications associated with advanced illness can also contribute to death. The condition affects individuals differently, and its progression varies from person to person.
What Are the Warning Signs of Dementia?
Occasional forgetfulness does not automatically mean someone has dementia. However, persistent changes that interfere with everyday life should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Possible warning signs include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily activities.
- Difficulty planning tasks or solving familiar problems.
- Confusion about time or place.
- Problems finding words or following conversations.
- Changes in judgement, mood or behaviour.
- Increasing difficulty completing familiar tasks.
These symptoms can have other causes, including some treatable medical conditions. Anyone concerned about changes in their own memory or a family member’s thinking should speak with a doctor rather than attempting to diagnose dementia independently.
Support for Australians Affected by Dementia
A dementia diagnosis can affect the whole family. Practical support may include medical appointments, help with daily activities, respite care and guidance for family members who provide care.
Australians seeking information or support can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. The service can help people find information about dementia, support options and local services.
Families can also ask healthcare professionals about assessment, treatment options, care planning and ways to support a person’s independence for as long as possible.
What the Latest Figures Mean for Australia
The latest statistics make one point clear: dementia is now a major contributor to deaths across Australia, and its impact is growing.
With 19,019 deaths recorded in 2025, the condition accounted for 10.1% of all deaths nationwide. The figures highlight the need for public awareness, appropriate care services and continued support for people living with dementia.
Although national statistics cannot predict an individual’s future health, understanding the scale of the issue can help families recognise symptoms, seek advice and plan for the support that may be needed.
1. Is dementia Australia’s leading cause of death in 2026?
The latest available annual figures, released in October 2026, show that dementia was Australia’s leading cause of death in 2025. The figures do not represent a complete count for 2026.
2. How many Australians died from dementia in 2025?
A total of 19,019 deaths were attributed to dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, in Australia in 2025.
3. What percentage of Australian deaths were caused by dementia?
Dementia accounted for 10.1% of all registered deaths in Australia in 2025, crossing the 10% mark for the first time.
4. Why are dementia deaths increasing in Australia?
Australia’s ageing population is an important factor. ABS figures also show that the number of deaths attributed to dementia rose by 37.3% between 2016 and 2025.
5. Where can Australians get dementia support?
People seeking information and support can contact Australia’s National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
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