The latest report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), released today, reveals a significant shift in public health concerns: dementia has overtaken ischaemic heart diseases as the leading cause of death in Australia. According to the Causes of Death, Australia, 2024 report, dementia accounted for 9.4% of all deaths this year.
Over the past decade, the number of deaths attributed to dementia has surged by 39%. The condition has been the primary cause of death among Australian women since 2016, with the 2024 data indicating that 62.4% of dementia-related deaths were female.
Implications for Public Health Policy
The announcement comes as health officials and advocates call for increased investment in public health strategies aimed at reducing dementia risk and improving care. Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia, emphasized the urgency of addressing this growing issue.
“There are currently an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia, and without significant intervention, this number is expected to increase to more than one million by 2065,” Professor Buchanan stated.
She advocates for heightened community awareness and a reduction in the stigma surrounding dementia. Moreover, she stresses the need for quality care across health, aged, disability, and community care sectors, particularly in providing tailored palliative care for those affected by dementia and their families.
Understanding the Risk Factors
While certain factors such as age and genetics are immutable, Professor Buchanan points out that up to 45% of dementia cases worldwide could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors. This includes lifestyle changes such as improved diet, exercise, and cognitive engagement.
Dementia Australia’s ongoing advocacy efforts focus on persuading the government to invest in a national campaign dedicated to brain health and risk reduction. The organization also offers support to Australians impacted by dementia through various programs and resources.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
This development follows the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) recent Dementia in Australia report, published in September, which also highlighted dementia as the leading cause of death in the country. The shift underscores a broader global trend where non-communicable diseases are increasingly dominating mortality statistics.
According to experts, this trend necessitates a reevaluation of healthcare priorities, focusing more on chronic disease management and prevention. The rise in dementia cases also prompts discussions on the sustainability of healthcare systems and the need for innovative care models.
“Although there are things we cannot change, like getting older or genetics, we now know that up to 45 per cent of dementia cases globally could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors,” Professor Buchanan explained.
As Australia grapples with these findings, the call for action is clear. Stakeholders across various sectors must collaborate to implement effective strategies that address the growing dementia crisis. The future of public health in Australia will depend significantly on how these challenges are met.
For more details on the ABS report, visit their website. For dementia information and support, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au.
