Fewer than half of Australians get dementia diagnosis within a year, survey finds
A survey studied 1,600 carers and 266 people with dementia. Less than half got a diagnosis in their first year.
Australia's first major survey included people with dementia and their carers. The survey found long delays in diagnosis across the healthcare system.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare surveyed 266 people with dementia. The Institute also surveyed over 1,600 carers.
The survey ran from 2025 to January 2026. Fewer than half got a diagnosis in their first year.
Two in five waited three years or longer. Health professionals sometimes miss early warning signs of dementia.
They may misdiagnose it as depression, menopause, or stress. Many carers reported low wellbeing and strained family relationships.
About 40 per cent of people diagnosed got no information about support services afterward. Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia.
An estimated one million Australians are living with dementia. The estimate is for the next 35 years.
- 266 with dementia, 1,600 carers
- People surveyed
- Less than half
- First year diagnosis rate
- 2 in 5 people
- Three-year wait or longer
- 40 per cent
- No support info given
Why it mattersEarly diagnosis can allow patients to access medications that manage symptoms and time to plan their future. But delays leave people stuck without support or choices.
AustraliaOne million Australians are expected to have dementia within 35 years; better diagnosis pathways and carer support are urgent priorities for the health system.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 d ago
