National Dementia Action Plan needs to be implemented now

The number of Australians living with dementia in 2026 has increased to an estimated 446,500 – a figure projected to more than double to over a million by 2065.

New data released by Dementia Australia (DA) reveals that the impact of dementia spans all age groups, with an estimated 29,000 Australians aged between 18 and 65 living with younger onset dementia. This number is expected to increase to approximately 41,000 by 2054.

Furthermore, around 1500 children in Australia are living with childhood dementia, highlighting the broad reach of the condition.

DA chief Professor Tanya Buchanan stressed the need for immediate and sustained intervention.

“There is a critical demand for a national program to promote brain health throughout our lives as well as a pressing need to provide quality care and support services for people of all ages living with dementia, their families and carers,” Professor Buchanan said.

The increasing prevalence of the disease has contributed to it becoming a leading cause of death in Australia, with a 39 per cent increase in dementia-related deaths over the past decade. This is in part due to life expectancy increasing, leading to a higher risk of developing the condition.

DA is advocating for substantial investment from the Federal Government to implement the National Dementia Action Plan.

“Australia is recognised internationally for its strengths in dementia care, support and research, but the system still has areas that need improvement. Funding the delivery of the National Dementia Action Plan is essential for all Australians impacted by dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.

The 10-year government framework, released in late 2024, aims to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. It recognises and address gaps in care that exist despite Australia’s global leadership in the field.

Its core purpose is to provide a unified vision, integrate policies and services, and engage the entire community to promote the best possible quality of life for people living with dementia, taking into account their emotional wellbeing, and identity.

The Plan outlines eight high-level actions, focusing on areas such as promoting equity, reducing stigma, improving diagnosis and post-diagnostic care, supporting carers, building workforce capability, and maximising research impact, all while placing people living with dementia at the centre of all efforts.

To advance the National Dementia Action Plan, Dementia Australia is actively collaborating with the federal government and the sector, advocating for investment in three crucial priority areas:

• Launching a comprehensive brain health campaign to raise awareness of the condition and promote brain health.
• Rolling out a network of Dementia Care Navigators to improve timely access to post-diagnostic supports and services.
• Building the capability of the workforce to provide quality care and support for people living with dementia.

Dementia Australia advocate Rebecca Scouller, whose mother lives with Alzheimer’s disease, reinforced this call for action.

“Dementia is likely to touch all our lives at some point in time.” Ms Scouller said.

“The National Dementia Action Plan needs to be costed and then incorporated into the budget. We need urgent investment now.”