Community
7 February, 2026
Dementia numbers expected to double by 2065
The number of Australians living with dementia is expected to more than double to over one million people by 2065.
The number of Australians living with dementia is expected to more than double to over one million people by 2065.
Dementia Australia released data this week revealing that the number of people in Australia currently living with dementia is an estimated to be 446,500.
However that number will exceed one million with 40 years – prompting calls for action at a Federal level given that dementia is already the leading of cause death for Australia.
Locally, every local government area will see an increase in the number of people living with dementia of 64 cent or more between now and 2054.
Goulburn-Mulwaree tops the list with an increase of 70 per cent from 702 to 1191 closely followed by Wingecarribee with a 68 per cent increase from 1481 to 2494 and Yass Valley with a 67 per cent increase from 311 to 512.
There will also be significant increases in Wollondilly (66 per cent from 807 to 1339), Upper Lachlan (64 per cent from 171 to 281) and Camden (64 per cent from 1140 to 1875).
Nationally, the number of people living with young onset dementia (a diagnosis of any kind of dementia when you-re aged 18-65) is expected to increase from 29,000 to 41,000 by 2054.
The data also shows that nationally there are an estimated 1500 children living childhood dementia.
by 2054.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said that with the number of people developing dementia rapidly increasing there needed to be urgent action with “significant and sustained intervention”.
“There is a critical demand for a national program to promote brain health throughout our lives as well as a pressing need to provide quality care and support services for people of all ages living with dementia, their families and carers,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Dementia Australia is calling for essential investment from the Federal Government in implementing the National Dementia Action Plan, a ten-year government framework released in late 2024 aiming to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.
“Australia is recognised internationally for its strengths in dementia care, support and research, but the system still has areas that need improvement.
“Funding the delivery of the National Dementia Action Plan is essential for all Australians impacted by dementia.”
Dementia Australia is committed to working with the Government and the sector on the delivery of the National Dementia Action Plan, and is calling for investment in three key priority areas aligned with the National Dementia Action Plan including:
· Launching a comprehensive brain health campaign to raise awareness of the condition and to promote brain health;
· Rolling out a network of Dementia Care Navigators to improve timely access to post diagnostic supports and services;
· Building the capability of the workforce to provide care and support for people living with dementia.
For more details about 2026 prevalence data local to federal, state and territory electoral divisions, as well as for local government areas, go to https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-facts-and-figures
For dementia information and support anytime, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for live chat and email.
The National Dementia Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If this story has prompted any questions of concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week) or visit dementia.org.au
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