Dementia in Australia: Growing Concern and Challenges, What's Next?

By Blanca Sumabat, RN

B.R.Raymundo, PhD, BCMAS

Western Australia - It is striking that dementia, a neurodegenerative disease, has risen to become the second leading cause of death in Australia, overtaking numerous other chronic illnesses. This stark reality underscores the severe impact of dementia on public health, emphasizing the urgent need for heightened awareness, targeted research, and robust policy interventions to address its growing burden.

According to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, dementia-related deaths accounted for approximately 9–10% of all deaths in 2022, translating to around 17,000 deaths. This marks a steady increase from ~14,000 deaths in 2018.

Key Facts and Trends in Dementia-Related Deaths

Dementia disproportionately affects older Australians, with 93% of dementia-related deaths occurring in individuals aged 75 and older. The median age at death is 88 years for women and 85 years for men. Women account for approximately 65% of dementia-related deaths, partly due to their longer life expectancy. Over the past decade, dementia-related deaths have risen significantly, increasing by 20% between 2018 and 2022, a rate that outpaces the 10% increase in overall deaths.

Dementia often occurs alongside other health conditions that contribute to mortality, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, stroke, and pneumonia, further complicating patient outcomes.

What is Fueling the Rise in Dementia Deaths?

Several key factors drive the increasing prevalence of dementia-related deaths in Australia. As the population continues to age, dementia cases and associated mortality are expected to rise. Improved awareness and diagnostic tools have contributed to more accurate identification of dementia as a cause of death, reflecting higher recorded mortality rates. Lifestyle factors like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease contribute to dementia's development and progression, worsening its impact. With limited treatment options and no cure, dementia remains a leading cause of mortality.

Beyond its direct impact, dementia also influences mortality rates of other conditions by impairing a person’s ability to manage their health. Individuals with dementia often struggle to adhere to treatments or recognize worsening symptoms, increasing their risk for complications from diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and pneumonia. Many dementia patients die with, rather than solely from, dementia, as comorbid conditions such as pneumonia and cardiovascular disease frequently contribute to death.

While dementia is not entirely inevitable, its risk escalates with age, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle habits. Some forms, such as Alzheimer's disease, involve irreversible neurodegenerative processes, although certain lifestyle interventions may help mitigate the risk or delay onset.

How Location and Socioeconomic Status Affect Dementia Outcomes

Dementia-related deaths are more common in urban centers compared to rural areas, where access to specialized dementia care remains limited. The disparity in healthcare services between these regions can significantly impact the management and treatment of dementia patients, often leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate support for caregivers.

Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role in dementia risk, as lower-income populations tend to have higher rates of the disease due to disparities in healthcare access, lifestyle factors, and a higher prevalence of chronic diseases. These challenges highlight the need for targeted healthcare policies that bridge the gap in dementia care accessibility across different geographic and economic backgrounds.

The Burden of Dementia on Families: Emotional and Financial Struggles

One of the most pressing concerns is the financial burden associated with dementia care. The condition often requires long-term medical attention, home modifications, and specialized caregiving services, which can be overwhelming, particularly for families with limited financial resources. In addition to financial stress, dementia caregiving has a profound psychological impact.

Family members, especially primary caregivers, frequently experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to the emotional toll of supporting a loved one with dementia. The prolonged nature of caregiving can also lead to burnout, strained relationships, and social isolation, with the effects being especially significant for spouses and adult children who take on caregiving responsibilities.

Providing better support systems, such as financial assistance, caregiver training, and psychological support programs, is essential to alleviate the burden on families affected by dementia. By implementing these measures, caregivers can receive the necessary resources to manage the emotional and financial strain associated with long-term dementia care.

Final Thoughts: The Urgent Need to Tackle Dementia in Australia

Dementia prevalence is expected to surge, with over 1 million Australians projected to be living with dementia by 2050 (up from ~400,000 in 2022). Without medical breakthroughs, dementia may surpass coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia.

Dementia poses a critical health challenge in Australia. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive strategies, including increased research funding, improved early diagnosis, and enhanced care support for individuals and families affected by dementia.

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) - Causes of Death: ABS Website

2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) - Dementia in Australia: AIHW Website

3. AIHW - Leading Causes of Death: AIHW Report

4. Dementia Australia - Statistics: Dementia Australia