In a significant shift in public health trends, dementia has overtaken heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia. This change marks the first time since 1968 that heart disease has not topped the list, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The data reveals that in 2024, dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, accounted for 17,549 deaths, representing 9.4% of the total mortality rate. Heart disease, which had long been the nation’s top killer, followed closely with 8.7% of deaths. This development underscores a broader trend in aging populations and shifting health challenges.
Understanding the Shift
The decline in heart disease mortality is not entirely unexpected. Public health campaigns and medical advancements, such as the introduction of pacemakers and lifestyle changes promoted through initiatives like the ‘Jump rope for heart’ campaigns of the 1980s and 1990s, have contributed significantly to this trend. In contrast, dementia’s rise reflects both an aging population and increased awareness and diagnosis of the condition.
In 1968, heart disease accounted for 30% of all deaths, a figure that has steadily decreased over the decades. Meanwhile, dementia’s share of mortality has surged from just 0.2% in 1968 to its current position as the leading cause of death.
By the Numbers
In 2024, more than 187,000 deaths were recorded in Australia, an increase of approximately 4,000 from the previous year. Adjusted for age and population size, the death rate was 508 per 100,000 people, down from 513 in 2023.
Gender Disparities and Age Factors
Dementia disproportionately affects women, who account for nearly two-thirds of all dementia-related deaths. This trend has been consistent since 2016, largely due to women having longer life expectancies—85 years compared to 81 for men. Heart disease remains the second leading cause of death for women, though mortality rates have dropped by 42% over the past decade.
For men, heart disease continues to be the primary cause of death, with 10,153 fatalities compared to dementia’s 6,602 in 2024. However, the gap is narrowing, reflecting broader health trends.
Impact on an Aging Population
As Australians live longer, the pattern of mortality is changing. In 2024, 68% of deaths occurred in individuals aged 75 and older, up from 66% a decade ago. This demographic shift highlights the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions among the elderly, with 80% of those over 75 having more than one disease contributing to their death.
Prevention and Future Directions
The rise in dementia-related deaths has sparked discussions on prevention and brain health. The Lancet Commission suggests that addressing 14 risk factors from childhood could prevent or delay 45% of dementia cases. Initiatives like Scotland’s ‘My Amazing Brain’ program and tools from Dementia Australia, such as the Braintrack app and CogDrisk assessment, are steps towards this goal.
Moreover, advancements in pharmaceuticals offer hope, with new drugs potentially slowing cognitive decline. However, comprehensive strategies involving lifestyle changes and early intervention remain crucial.
Looking Ahead
This shift in leading causes of death highlights the need for adaptive healthcare strategies and public health policies. As the population continues to age, understanding and addressing the complex factors contributing to diseases like dementia will be vital.
In this week’s edition of Firstlinks, we explore related topics, including the challenges of retirement planning, Australia’s fertility rates, and the evolving landscape of investment opportunities. As always, we invite our readers to share their thoughts and contribute to ongoing discussions about these critical issues.
