Dementia prevalence data research is of vital importance for Australian governments, researchers and research institutions, policy planners, media and the health and aged care sectors, in helping to understand the impact of dementia in Australia. The data helps to inform planning and funding of services and programs around Australia to meet current and future needs.
This dementia prevalence data indicates the number of Australians that are currently living with dementia and younger onset dementia, and projects what this number will increase to by 2058.
The prevalence data estimates and projections for dementia were modelled by the National Centre for Monitoring Dementia (NCMD) at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) established in 2021. The team has used a standard demographic modelling approach, in which age-sex dementia prevalence rates calculated by the AIHW were applied to age-sex population estimates and projected population estimates.
The NCMD undertakes routine monitoring of dementia data to inform specific policy needs for Australians living with dementia. There are ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy of dementia prevalence estimates in Australia. As a result, the approach used to estimate the prevalence of dementia will likely be superseded in coming years as findings from these initiatives become available.
Dementia Australia’s previous dementia prevalence data research was conducted in 2018 by NATSEM, University of Canberra. The research was based on the modelling and data sources available at the time and different to that now used by the NCMD. As a result, there are some variations from previous years’ prevalence projections.
From 2023 Dementia Australia will refer only to NCMD dementia prevalence data and the AIHW Dementia in Australia report 2021.
Dementia Advocates request when using these figures to please use 'living with dementia' and avoid the use of the words 'sufferers' or 'suffering from'.
Australia – All forms of dementia
Prevalence summary – National, State and Territory – all forms of dementia
In 2023 it is estimated there are more than 400,000 people living with all forms of dementia. This figure is projected to increase to more than 800,000 by 2058.
Australia – Younger onset dementia (diagnosed under the age of 65)
In 2023 it is estimated there are more than 28,650 people living with younger onset dementia. This figure is projected to increase to more than 42,400 by 2058.
Estimates and projections for younger onset dementia by state and territory will be updated later in 2023.
If you have any questions regarding this data or would like to learn more about the 2023 dementia prevalence data, please contact our media team at [email protected].
Key facts and statistics
Please visit our key facts and statistics page to learn about the Australian statistics for dementia in 2023.