The number of young Australians living with dementia is projected to rise sharply over coming decades, new data shows.
Figures released on Thursday show more than one million Australians are expected to develop dementia over the next 40 years.
Data reported by AAP indicates cases of young onset dementia, diagnosed before the age of 65, are projected to rise by 40% over the next 30 years.
According to Dementia Australia, about 446,000 people are currently living with dementia, with that figure forecast to exceed one million by 2065.
Dementia Australia chief executive Tanya Buchanan said urgent action was needed, including early intervention and long-term investment in brain health.
Dementia remains Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for 9.4% of all deaths in 2024, with more than 17,000 lives lost.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows women account for nearly two-thirds of dementia-related deaths.
Buchanan said federal funding was critical to fully implement the 10-year National Dementia Action Plan announced in 2024.
