Alzheimer’s disease: bigger than most people realise

Alzheimer’s disease is often thought of as an “older person’s disease”. In reality, changes in the brain can begin decades before symptoms meaningfully impact day-to-day life. Alzheimer’s disease can start with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—an early stage where symptoms may be subtle—before progressing where cognitive decline increasingly interferes with daily living.

The report estimates that in 2024 around 296,000 Australians were living with Alzheimer’s disease, and looking ahead, projects this number to rise to around 600,000 by 2050. By this time, it’s modelled that 1.2 million Australians will be living with both early and later signs of the disease. This growth has major implications for Australia’s health services, aged care system, and economy.

The hidden economic and human costs

While the financial burden of dementia is often associated with residential aged care, the report highlights a less visible cost: the impact on employment and productivity.

Evohealth’s analysis estimates that in 2024, one in five people over 60 living with Alzheimer’s disease want to keep working but were unable to—equating to around 50,000 Australians. This contributes to an estimated US$3.7 billion in lost productivity in 2024. These impacts extend beyond the person diagnosed: many carers reduce work hours or leave employment entirely due to caring responsibilities, compounding financial stress and reducing workforce participation.

Behind the numbers are people navigating fear, stigma, and isolation. The report points to evidence that negative assumptions persist after a dementia diagnosis—affecting how people are treated by society and sometimes even limiting the urgency to diagnose early. That stigma can discourage people from seeking help when symptoms first appear, delaying opportunities for support.

Hope is on the horizon—but the system needs to be ready

The report argues that Australia is at an important moment. New diagnostic approaches—including emerging blood tests that can help identify biological signals associated with Alzheimer’s disease—may support earlier detection and more targeted clinical decision-making. At the same time, there is increasing global activity in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials.

The report also notes the emergence of disease-modifying therapies (treatments designed to alter the course of disease, rather than only manage symptoms). However, scientific progress alone is not enough. If Australia is to benefit from earlier detection and new approaches to care, the health system must be equipped with clear pathways, trained clinicians, accessible support services, and community understanding.

A practical vision: seven recommendations for Australia

‘Diagnosis to dignity’ proposes seven recommendations for adoption by the Federal Government and relevant health and aged care agencies, focused on building a future where people can live with dignity after diagnosis:

1. Develop a national diagnosis and care pathway for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Educate, upskill and support primary care clinicians (including GPs and other health professionals) to identify, diagnose, and support people and their care/support teams.
3. Increase access to Alzheimer’s-specific cognitive function and memory support services, including cognitive rehabilitation and memory supports.
4. Develop national guidance to enable inclusive communities and workplaces for people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Invest in a national education and awareness campaign that reframes Alzheimer’s disease as a chronic disease that begins decades before symptoms appear.
6. Upskill and connect carers to support people to stay active in the community.
7. Invest in research and development at a level commensurate with the burden of disease.

The report also highlights the potential benefits of delaying progression and supporting people to stay at home longer. Its modelling suggests that delaying entry to aged care for people with mild Alzheimer’s dementia by 12 months could improve quality of life and deliver government savings of US$40–US$48 million over four years.

Why this matters now

Australia’s population is ageing, and the projected growth in Alzheimer’s disease means the pressure on families, carers, health services, and aged care will increase without reform. But the report’s central message is not inevitability—it is opportunity.

By investing in early detection, clear care pathways, practical support (including for cognition and daily function), and more inclusive communities and workplaces, Australia can improve quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their carers—while also strengthening the resilience of our systems and workforce.

As the report puts it: moving from diagnosis to dignity requires action across government, clinicians, researchers, advocates, industry, and communities.

The time to act is now.