Dementia Action Week 2025 was last month when Dementia Australia joined forces with News Corp to urge Australians to Think Again about dementia.

According to the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare( AIHW) Dementia in Australia report, dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians. Without significant intervention, the number of people living with dementia is projected to exceed one million by 2065.

Currently, an estimated 433,000 Australians are living with dementia- including 29,000 under the age of 65, with 1.7 million people involved in their care.

Prevention and awareness Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said while these figures are alarming, there is much that can be done.

“ If you think there’ s nothing you can do about dementia, think again,” Professor Buchanan said.

The AIHW report – updated in September 2025, found that 43 per cent of dementia cases in Australia are linked to six modifiable risk factors:

- being overweight or obese

- physical inactivity- high blood sugar- high blood pressure in midlife- smoking- impaired kidney function“ More than a quarter of Australians( 28 per cent) incorrectly believe there is nothing they can do to reduce their risk of dementia,” Professor Buchanan added.“ But there are things you can do now.”

Practical steps include:

• Downloading the BrainTrack app – a free tool by Dementia Australia using simple games to track memory and thinking skills. Reports can be shared with GPs for early intervention.

• Booking a GP check-up – discussing brain health, diet, sleep, exercise, and lifestyle just as you would for heart or blood pressure.

• Completing the CogDrisk test – a free online tool developed by Australian researchers that provides a personalised dementia risk profile and strategies to reduce it.

“ Dementia affects Australians of all ages and is the public health, disability

and aged care challenge facing Australia,” Professor Buchanan said.

“ Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and is largely missing from chronic disease, public health and disability strategies across the country. We must change this now.”

One of the greatest challenges, she explained, is that people with dementia, their families, and carers often struggle to access consistent information, guidance, and services.

“ That’ s why Dementia Australia is calling for a national network of Dementia Specialist Navigators, trusted professionals who can help families identify priorities, provide expert advice, and connect them with the right services across multiple systems,” she said.

The organisation is also supporting

calls for a national centre of excellence for childhood dementia, which affects one in 2,800 children, with half dying before the age of 10.

Dementia advocate Nell Hawe said awareness is urgently needed,“ People are aware of other chronic diseases, but not of dementia and how prevalent it is,” Ms Hawe said.

“ We need to take action now – we need funding, resources and a trained workforce.”

Find out more- learn more at www. thinkagaindementia. com. au