Data released by Dementia Australia today has revealed that the number of Australians living with dementia in 2026 has increased to an estimated 446,500¹ – a figure projected to more than double to over one million people by 2065.²
The data also highlights that dementia impacts Australians of all ages, with an estimated 29,000 people living with young onset dementia (a diagnosis of any kind of dementia when you're aged 18-65). This figure is projected to increase to an estimated 41,000 by 2054.³ Additionally, an estimated 1,500 children live with childhood dementia in Australia.⁴
In 2026, there are an estimated 1,850 people living with all forms of dementia in the Northern Territory, which is projected to increase to an estimated 3,600 by 2054.⁵
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said that with the number of people developing dementia rapidly increasing, and dementia now the leading cause of death for Australians, we need to act now on dementia, with significant 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.
"Dementia Australia is calling for essential investment from the Federal Government in implementing the National Dementia Action Plan, a ten-year government framework released in late 2024 aiming to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.
"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."
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Rebecca Scouller cares for her mother Charlotte, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2017 and now lives in residential aged care. Rebecca is passionate about advocating for funding, navigation and support for people living with dementia and their carers.
"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."
Dementia Australia is committed to working with the Government and the sector on the delivery of the National Dementia Action Plan, and is calling for investment in three key priority areas aligned with the National Dementia Action Plan including:
Launching a comprehensive brain health campaign to raise awareness of the condition and to 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 care and support for people living with dementia.
For more details about 2026 prevalence data local to federal, state and territory electoral divisions, as well as for local government areas, go to https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-facts-and-figures
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