Dementia Surpasses Heart Disease as Australia's Leading Cause of Death

As of November 14th, 2025, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals a dramatic shift in the country's leading causes of death. Coronary heart disease, which has been the top killer for decades, has now been surpassed by dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

The mortality rate for coronary heart disease has decreased by an impressive 87% over the past 50 years, reaching its lowest level since 1968. Improved healthcare and medical interventions, along with better management of risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol, have contributed to this significant decline. However, the disease still claimed over 16,000 lives in the past year.

In contrast, deaths from dementia have skyrocketed, increasing by more than 840% during the same period. In 2024, over 17,000 Australians died from dementia, with women accounting for 62% of these fatalities. Experts attribute this rise to the country's aging population and increased life expectancy.

While these trends are encouraging in some areas, the data also highlights ongoing public health challenges. Suicide remains the leading cause of premature death, with the median age of 46 years. More than 3,300 people died by suicide in 2024, with men accounting for over three-quarters of these tragic losses. The Northern Territory recorded the highest suicide rate, followed by Queensland and Tasmania.

Additionally, drug and alcohol-induced deaths have also increased, with acute toxicity and long-term complications like liver cirrhosis being the main causes. These alarming figures underscore the need for continued investment in public health initiatives and targeted interventions to address these complex issues.