Dementia: Top cause of death, half undiagnosed

Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for around one in 10 deaths nationally, with Alzheimer’s disease its most common form. It is also the country’s second leading cause of disease burden.
 
Despite this, dementia rarely receives the same visibility as other chronic conditions and cognitive decline is often only addressed once symptoms are advanced or missed altogether.
 
A hidden population in primary care
Most striking is the scale of underdiagnosis. It is estimated that half of Australians living with dementia have no formal diagnosis, many of whom see their GP regularly for other chronic conditions.
 
This ‘hidden volume’ is not hidden from the health system. It sits within existing GP consults, often surfacing through vague memory complaints or family concern raised during routine visits. Even once a concern is identified, there can be significant delays to specialist referral and the possibility for early intervention.
 
Why the burden is likely to grow
Australia’s ageing population means both dementia cases and overall disease burden are projected to increase substantially in coming decades. Without proactive early identification in primary care, the gap between prevalence and timely diagnosis will only widen, delaying access to support and specialist care.
 
The importance of early diagnosis
Investigating memory complaints early allows GPs to rule out reversible causes of cognitive change, such as depression, drug side effects or metabolic conditions, before considering specialist pathways.
 
Where a neurodegenerative cause is suspected, timely referral gives patients and families valuable time to plan, access support and in some cases, begin interventions that can slow progression and preserve independence.
 
Additionally, up to 45% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable risk factors that can be managed in primary care.
 
Primary care’s role in early detection
Half of Australians with dementia are undiagnosed and many are already regularly attending their GP for other chronic conditions, representing a significant opportunity for intervention.
 
GPs are well-placed to investigate memory complaints and, where needed, ensure timely diagnosis and referral before the disease progresses.
 
Identifying cognitive impairment early also allows GPs to proactively manage modifiable risk factors that can help preserve cognitive function.
 
Upskill on Alzheimer’s disease in primary care
Join Professor Craig Ritchie, world-leading neuropsychiatrist and dementia prevention pioneer, as he shares practical insights on the evolving role of primary care in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and management.
 
Register online.
 
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