CANBERRA, November 15, 2025: Dementia has become Australia’s leading cause of death for the first time, overtaking heart disease as the nation’s top killer, according to newly released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The shift marks a significant change in the country’s health landscape, reflecting the growing impact of neurodegenerative conditions within an ageing population. The ABS report confirmed that of the 187,268 registered deaths in Australia in 2024, 17,549 were attributed to dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This represents a dramatic rise in dementia-related fatalities over the past two decades.
In 2006, dementia accounted for 6,550 deaths, meaning the figure has climbed by more than 160 percent since then. Over the same period, deaths caused by ischaemic heart diseases, long considered the country’s primary cause of mortality, fell by nearly 30 percent, from 23,132 in 2006 to 16,275 in 2024. Officials said the shift highlights Australia’s ageing demographic profile. The ABS noted that people aged over 75 years represented 68.2 percent of all deaths in 2024, up from 63.3 percent in 2004. As life expectancy continues to rise, the number of Australians living with age-related conditions such as dementia is projected to increase sharply.
Ageing demographic fuels sharp increase in dementia fatalities
A report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in September forecast that dementia prevalence will more than double over the next four decades. The number of Australians living with dementia is expected to rise from 425,000 in 2024 to over one million by 2065, placing mounting pressure on health and aged-care systems. Experts say the trend underscores the urgent need for national strategies focused on early diagnosis, care coordination, and research investment. Although treatment options for dementia remain limited, public health authorities are emphasizing preventive measures, including promoting cardiovascular health, physical activity, and cognitive engagement to help delay the onset of symptoms.
Dementia deaths rose over 160% since 2006
Chronic lower respiratory diseases ranked as Australia’s third-leading cause of death in 2024, followed by cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and cancers of the lung. The continued decline in heart disease deaths reflects improvements in medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and better awareness of cardiovascular risk factors. Health policymakers say the rise of dementia as the leading cause of death will reshape national health priorities. With the proportion of older Australians increasing steadily, the country faces growing challenges in providing adequate long-term care and supporting families affected by cognitive decline. The latest data, they added, serves as a reminder that dementia is not only a medical issue but also a major social and economic concern for Australia’s future. – By Content Syndication Services.