Advocates warn urgent action needed ahead of the federal election as dementia cases set to skyrocket

A peak advocacy group is calling for urgent action to address the growing impact of dementia in the lead-up to the federal election, as the disease is set to become Australia’s leading cause of death.

Dementia Australia (DA) CEO Professor Prof. Tanya Buchanan says the federal government needs to launch a national conversation that promotes brain health, build the workforce capability for dementia care and support and establish a team of specialist care coordinators to help those living with dementia, and their families, access treatment and support best suited to their needs.

Dementia affects Australians of all ages but dementia rates are projected to significantly increase and the number of Australians who will be living with disease is set to double in the next 30 years.

Currently, 433,300 Australians live with dementia while two-thirds of those live in the community.

Buchanan said the situation is critical as our hospitals, acute care, and aged care systems are all unable to meet current demand.

“Dementia cannot be ignored during this election,” Buchanan said.

“People living with dementia wait longer in hospitals to get access to residential aged care than someone who doesn’t have dementia.

“The length of stay in hospital is five times longer than for someone without dementia.”

While there is no cure, Buchanan said scientific research shows that looking after our brain health can make a big difference in reducing or delaying the risk of developing dementia.

“Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and in the absence of a cure, we must ensure we take all steps possible to promote good brain health throughout our lives in order to reduce the risk of dementia,” Prof. Buchanan said.

“Dementia prevalence data is available for every Federal electorate, for 2025 and with projections to 2054. We recommend all parties, independents and candidates use this data to help them understand why dementia must be a policy priority nationally and for their electorates.”

The call was backed up by Dementia Australia Advisory Committee Chair Ann Pietsch, who lives with Lewy body dementia and urged all parties make dementia an election issue.

“Raising awareness and educating people about dementia is of paramount importance for all Australians – there is still much to be done,” Pietsch said.

The dementia advocate said seeking help early helped her receive a quicker diagnosis, which helped her better manage her condition.

With the election just weeks away, voters will soon decide on which party will best address the growing dementia crisis after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement that the Federal Election will be held on May 3.