Dementia has overtaken other conditions to become the leading cause of death in Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) Dementia in Australia report.
The report projects that without significant intervention, more than one million Australians will be living with dementia by 2065. This has wide-reaching implications for families, health systems, and aged care services.
The growing impact on families
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan noted that the findings underline how far-reaching the condition is in Australian communities.
“These figures highlight just how many families are impacted by dementia across Australia. Most of us know someone who is or has been impacted by dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.
She added that people living with dementia often experience social isolation because friends and family may feel unsure of how to interact after a diagnosis. “Nobody can do it alone,” she said, urging Australians to maintain connections with those affected.
Voices from lived experience
For those living with dementia, the statistics reflect an urgent need for support and understanding. Dementia Advocate Lil Mirtl explained:
“We don’t have time to feel uncomfortable or awkward about these conversations about dementia – we need to have them now. We have to pull together as a community to do this. We can’t do it alone as individuals, the government can’t do it alone, we need to all act together.”
Modifiable risk factors
The AIHW update also revealed that 43 per cent of the dementia burden in Australia can be linked to six modifiable risk factors:
- being overweight or obese
- physical inactivity
- high blood sugar
- high blood pressure in midlife
- smoking
- impaired kidney function
This means that steps to improve lifestyle and overall health could reduce the likelihood of developing dementia later in life.
A Filipino-Australian perspective
Among Filipino-Australian communities, dementia is felt not just in hospitals or care homes but in everyday gatherings. A retired doctor, who was once active in a Filipino seniors’ association in Melbourne, recalled how the diagnosis of a fellow member reshaped the group’s activities. “We used to gather for simple lunches and cultural programs,” he said. “But when one of our members started showing signs of dementia, it challenged us to learn patience, understanding, and new ways of connecting. It reminded us that friendship and compassion go beyond memory.”
His experience mirrors what many Filipino families across Australia face: the delicate balance of caring for elders, preserving traditions, and ensuring that those living with dementia continue to feel included in the community.
Call for a national response
Professor Buchanan stressed that with dementia now the country’s leading cause of death, awareness and prevention should be a priority.
“By taking a comprehensive approach to addressing dementia, we can reduce its impact into the future. With aged care across the country already under pressure, and the number of people living with dementia expected to exceed 1 million by 2065, we simply cannot afford to wait,” she said.
Experts are calling for a coordinated national conversation on dementia – one that promotes brain health at all ages and ensures services and support are ready for the challenges ahead.
What you can do
While dementia cannot always be prevented, there are practical steps individuals and families can take to lower risks and support loved ones:
- Stay physically active — even daily walks make a difference.
- Keep socially connected through community groups, clubs, or regular chats with family and friends.
- Monitor and manage blood pressure and blood sugar.
- Choose a balanced diet and avoid smoking.
- Engage the brain with reading, puzzles, or learning new skills.
- Be open in conversations about dementia to reduce stigma and isolation.
Closing thoughts
For Filipino-Australians, caring for elders is deeply tied to malasakit – compassion expressed through action. Dementia may challenge memory, but it does not erase dignity, belonging, or the bonds of family. By supporting healthier lifestyles, staying connected, and fostering understanding, we not only reduce the risks but also keep alive the Filipino tradition of looking after one another with respect and heart.
