The Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has revealed dementia is on the cusp of overtaking heart disease as Australia’s leading cause of death, according to its 2023 statistics.
Dementia was responsible for 9.1 percent of deaths among Australians last year, putting it just behind heart diseases which were responsible for 9.2 percent – a decline on previous years.
Dementia was once again the leading cause of death in Australian women.
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute has two experts available for comment on dementia, its risk factors, and what these new ABS statistics mean for Australians.
Experts available
Dr Sophie Andrews
Dr Sophie Andrews is a cognitive neuroscientist and leads the Healthy Brain Ageing Program at the Thompson Institute. Her research is focused on how lifestyle changes can improve brain and cognitive health, and reduce risk of dementia in older Australians.
Email: sandrews1@usc.edu.au
Phone: 0411 028 559
Dr Thomas Pace
Dr Thomas Pace is a cognitive neuroscientist and postdoctoral research fellow for the Healthy Brain Ageing Program. His research focuses on the impact of lifestyle on dementia risk and the brain, and has previously worked on physical activity interventions for older adults with cognitive decline.
Email: tpace@usc.edu.au
Phone: 0421 514 903
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