DEMENTIA KILLS NEARLY TWICE AS MANY AUSSIE WOMEN AS HEART DISEASE: PROTECT YOUR BRAIN
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For the first time, dementia has caused more than one in every 10 deaths in Australia, and women are bearing the brunt.
New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, released this week, show 19,019 Australians died from dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, in 2025.
Of those, 11,628 were women, more than 61 per cent of all dementia deaths.
Dementia has been the leading cause of death for Australian women since 2016, and last year it claimed almost twice as many women's lives as heart disease, the second biggest killer.
A growing challenge
Dementia was only the fourth leading cause of death in 2006.
According to SBS News, dementia deaths rose by 37 per cent between 2016 and 2025, while deaths from heart disease and stroke fell.
Nearly half a million Australians are living with dementia today, and that number could pass one million by 2065 without significant intervention.
Dementia Australia chief executive Professor Tanya Buchanan said the data underlines the need for more recognition and funding, and that the stigma around dementia needs to change.
Why women are more affected
Women live longer on average, but researchers say that may not be the whole story.
A study led by UNSW's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, reported by the ABC earlier this month, found nearly two-thirds of Australian dementia diagnoses are in women.
Experts suggested possible contributors such as differences in education and work opportunities, higher rates of depression and anxiety, and heart and metabolic health.
Professor Henry Brodaty said menopause may play a role, though that is not established.
Researchers have called for more work on hormonal and social risk factors to understand the gap.
The hopeful news
While we can't change our age or genes, there's a lot we can influence.
The 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia identified 14 risk factors that could be changed and estimated that tackling them all could prevent or delay around 45 per cent of dementia cases worldwide.
And, as Dementia Australia puts it, it's never too early or too late to start.
The organisation's Dr Kaele Stokes has said research suggests changing certain health habits may make a big difference.
The 14 factors are lower education, hearing loss, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, heavy drinking, head injury, air pollution, social isolation, high LDL cholesterol in midlife and untreated vision loss later in life.
Many of them are things women in their 30s, 40s and 50s can start working on today.
Simple ways to lower your dementia risk
Get moving.
Regular physical activity is good for your heart and your head, and a brisk walk with a friend ticks two boxes at once by keeping you social too.
Know your numbers.
Ask your GP to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, especially in midlife, as these quietly affect brain health over time.
Protect your hearing and eyesight.
Get your hearing tested if conversations are getting harder to follow, and keep up regular eye checks.
Dementia Australia notes hearing aids may help slow the progression from mild memory problems to dementia.
Keep learning and stay connected.
A new hobby, a language class or a book club keeps the mind busy, and regular catch-ups help ward off loneliness.
Look after your mood.
Depression is on the list, so don't put off seeking support if you've been feeling low.
Go easy on alcohol, quit smoking and wear a helmet when cycling to protect your head.
If you're worried about your memory, or someone close to you, have a chat with your GP.
The National Dementia Helpline is available around the clock on 1800 100 500.
Small changes add up, and the habits that protect your brain are the same ones that help your heart, mood and energy, so there's every reason to start this week.
