Dementia
Dementia can affect people of all ages, it is the leading cause of disease burden in people aged 65 years and older. In Western Australia, it is estimated 42,000 people are currently living with dementia. This number is projected to double over the next 30 years. Dementia is also significant health concern for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with prevalence rates 3 to 5 times higher than the general population.
More than 11,000 hospital bed days per month are occupied by patients over 65 with a dementia diagnosis (2023–24 data), accounting for more than 16 per cent of all bed days for this age group.
Although dementia can occur at any age, it is more common in people over the age of 65. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Lifestyle factors have been identified that may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can support individuals to live well with dementia.
Further data and statistics on dementia in Australia is available from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (external site).
Preventable risk factors for dementia
Dementia is caused by a variety of diseases that damage brain cells, which affects the ability to communicate with each other. While some risk factors for dementia, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed, several preventable risk factors have been identified:
- Lower levels of education in early life.
- Hearing loss.
- High LDL cholesterol.
- Depression.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Physical inactivity*.
- Diabetes.
- Hypertension*.
- Obesity.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Social isolation.
- Air pollution.
- Vision loss later in life.
* All of these risk factors are important. Controlling hypertension and improving physical activity have the highest quality of evidence for prevention.
Service navigation and support for health professionals
Dementia services in WA are delivered by a combination of providers, including the State health system (such as the Mental Health Commission), primary care, private geriatricians and neurologists, and non-government organisations.
Primary healthcare, geriatric and neurological medicine teams in public hospitals and private geriatricians and neurologists, all supported by multidisciplinary teams, are the key health professionals leading diagnosis, treatment and management of dementia.
Memory clinics are designed to support individuals experiencing cognitive changes, such as memory loss, language difficulties, or changes in thinking and personality. These clinics provide comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans. Memory clinics are available in select public and private hospitals in WA. Clinician Assist (external site) can be used to access details on available memory clinics.
WA Health resources available to health professionals in referring and supporting people living with dementia include:
WA is supported by leading non-government organisations that provide training and support services for health professionals caring for people living with dementia, their families and carers across the spectrum of care settings. These include:
Brain health is an important factor in maintaining good cognition across the life course. In addition to the non-governmental organisations mentioned above that specifically address dementia, Injury Matters also promotes brain health.
Additionally, Carers WA provides resources and support groups which support those that provide both formal and informal care for people living with dementia.
Webinars and presentations
New Treatments for Dementia recording (external site)
WA Dementia Policy and Programs recording (external site)
Preserving Cognition and Measuring Dementia Risk recording (external site)
Managing Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia recording (external site)
Dementia Special Interest Group
The Health Networks Directorate’s (HND) Dementia Special Interest Group (DSIG) was established to oversee the strategic development and promote state-wide implementation of a consistent approach to dementia management in the WA health system. This includes engagement with health care workers, patients, consumers, caregivers and communities across WA.
The HND continues to provide leadership, clinical advice and expertise to support the development and implementation of the National Dementia Action Plan (NDAP) and creation of the State Dementia Action Plan (SDAP).
National Dementia Action Plan
The 10-year National Dementia Action Plan (NDAP) (external site) was developed in partnership with the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments. The NDAP is the result of extensive research, planning and consultation with:
- people living with dementia
- their carers and families
- aged care providers and workers
- advocates
- peak industry bodies and organisations.
Through 8 high-level actions, the NDAP aims to improve dementia diagnosis and better coordination of post-diagnostic care, increase the understanding and capacity of health and aged care workers, and improve support for carers.
State Dementia Action Plan
The 2025 WA Government committed $1 million towards the delivery of the SDAP to improve outcomes for Western Australians living with dementia, their families and carers.
The SDAP includes 4 targeted measures including:
- training for hospital staff in dementia management.
- a public facing communications campaign to support people to manage dementia at home.
- ensuring all new hospital developments incorporate dementia friendly design.
- a review of existing services to streamline access to support and service navigation.
The SDAP will be developed in consultation with leading non-government organisations, health professionals, consumers and carers, and the aged care sector.
More information
Health Networks
Address: 189 Royal Street, East Perth
Phone: 9222 0200
Email: healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au
Last reviewed: 22-10-2025