Dementia second leading cause of death in Australia

The number of Australians aged over 65 living with dementia is steadily increasing and is expected to more than double in the next 35 years.

There's no cure yet known for dementia. Source: AAP

KEY POINTS

• Around 401,300 Australians have dementia
• Expected to more than double in the next 35 years
• There is currently no cure for dementia

Dementia overtakes heart disease as the leading cause of death among Australians aged 65 and over.

Last year, the neurological disorder was responsible for nearly 230,000 years of healthy life lost, a 61% increase from 2011, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.