As we approach Dementia Action Week, scheduled from September 15 to September 21, 2025, it is imperative to recognize the gravity of dementia as the leading cause of death in Australia. Recent updates from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveal a staggering reality: without immediate intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia could exceed one million by 2065. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for a national conversation on dementia awareness, as advocated by Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia.
Why should this matter to you? Because dementia doesn’t just affect those diagnosed; it reverberates through families and communities. Most people know someone who has been touched by this condition. As Professor Buchanan poignantly states, “People affected by dementia often tell us that friends and family drift away after a diagnosis because they are unsure of how to interact.” This isolation can be devastating, both for individuals living with dementia and their loved ones.
The timing of this report is particularly significant as it coincides with World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, the final day of Dementia Action Week. It serves as a powerful reminder that we must come together to foster understanding and support for those affected by this condition.
In Australia, dementia is not just a diagnosis; it is a profound experience that touches countless families. Professor Tanya Buchanan, Chief Executive Officer of Dementia Australia, emphasizes the widespread impact of this condition, noting that most Australians know someone affected by dementia. This reality raises an important question: How can we foster meaningful connections with those living with this challenging condition?
“People affected by dementia often tell us that friends and family drift away after a diagnosis because they are unsure of how to interact,” she explains. This week’s theme for Action Week, “Nobody Can Do It Alone,” serves as a poignant reminder that reconnection is essential. It challenges all Australians to reach out to individuals impacted by dementia and combat the social isolation many endure.
The report sheds light on crucial factors influencing the well-being of people living with dementia. Among the six modifiable risk factors identified – such as physical inactivity and obesity – 43% of the overall dementia burden can be attributed to these issues. Other significant contributors include high blood sugar levels, midlife hypertension, smoking, and impaired kidney function.
Dr. Claudia Meyer, Senior Research Fellow at Bolton Clarke Research Institute, highlights the relevance of the “Nobody Can Do It Alone” theme for those living with dementia at home. She notes that having adequate support and motivation to engage in physical activity can lead to substantial improvements in both physical and mental health outcomes.
A 2024 report from the AIHW reveals alarming statistics: individuals living with dementia face at least double the risk of falls compared to their peers without cognitive impairment and are more likely to suffer severe consequences from such incidents. Therefore, maintaining physical health is not merely beneficial; it is vital for reducing fall risks and enhancing overall quality of life.
As Dr. Meyer aptly points out, improved physical health translates into greater independence – a fundamental aspect of dignity for those navigating life with dementia.
As we age, the decline in physical functioning can become a significant concern, often exacerbated by physical inactivity. This deterioration manifests through impairments in muscle strength, balance, and gait—factors that greatly increase the risk of falls. When dementia enters the picture, the challenge of mitigating these risks becomes even more complex. How can we effectively support individuals facing these dual challenges?
“Working memory plays a pivotal role in our ability to attend to tasks, devise strategies, plan movements, and minimize distractions,” explains Natalija Pearn, Creative Engagement Lead at Lutheran Services. “When complex attention falters, everyday activities such as walking while conversing can become daunting.”
Engaging in creative pursuits emerges as a vital strategy for enhancing the well-being of those living with dementia. Such activities not only provide cognitive stimulation but also foster emotional health and social connections. Ms. Pearn emphasizes that creativity serves as a powerful avenue for self-expression: “Creative activities stimulate regions of the brain that remain resilient even as dementia progresses,” she notes. “Our programs are designed to nurture social bonds, offer emotional outlets, and instill a sense of achievement. Even when abilities wane, residents can find meaningful engagement through art and other creative endeavors.”
One remarkable aspect of creativity is its independence from memory; it allows individuals to express their feelings and experience accomplishment even when verbal communication is limited. This unique quality makes creative engagement particularly valuable for those navigating the complexities of dementia.
Currently leading a pilot program at Orana Aged Care in Kingaroy, Ms. Pearn focuses on fostering creative engagement during afternoons and evenings – periods when residents often face heightened stress and restlessness. “Activities during these times might include homelike tasks such as setting tables for dinner or engaging in art-making, singing, and reminiscing,” she explains. “These activities are tailored by staff into manageable one- or two-step processes to ensure they remain achievable as cognitive abilities decline—creating a genuine sense of purpose.”
Recent trials have yielded promising results, revealing a significant reduction in stress levels and behavioral changes among individuals with dementia. Staff and family members alike have observed not only improved sleep patterns but, most importantly, a remarkable increase in joy, social connections, and overall engagement.
In response to these findings, Professor Buchanan is spearheading the development of comprehensive training sessions aimed at carers and support staff. These sessions emphasize the importance of empathetic and non-verbal communication—skills that are crucial in fostering meaningful interactions with those living with dementia.
As dementia has now become the leading cause of death in Australia, Professor Buchanan emphasizes that it is “more pressing than ever” for the federal government to commit to funding a national conversation on dementia awareness while promoting brain health across all age groups.
“By adopting a holistic approach to tackle dementia,” she argues, “we can mitigate its impact on future generations.” With aged care services already stretched thin and projections indicating that over 1 million Australians will be living with dementia by 2065, the urgency for action cannot be overstated.
People living with dementia, along with their families and caregivers, are counting on us to advocate for their needs—to act swiftly and effectively. Let us unite in this mission: Together we can foster an environment where those affected by dementia receive the support they deserve. Will you join us in calling for change? Your voice matters!