Dementia is not inevitable: Why it’s time to act on brain health

A new message of hope is emerging for older Australians and their families — dementia is not a guaranteed part of ageing. Leading dementia expert Professor Henry Brodaty says we now have the knowledge to delay or even prevent the onset of the disease, and he’s urging the government to act.

Speaking at the National Press Club last week, Professor Brodaty, who co-directs the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney, called for a national brain health campaign to support older Australians in staying sharper for longer.

“The science tells us we can reduce the risk of dementia through lifestyle changes—and we can do it without extra cost to our health system,” Professor Brodaty said.

What does this mean for you?

There are currently more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia. That number is expected to double in the next 25 years unless we take preventive action. But the good news is, many of the risk factors for dementia—like poor diet, lack of exercise, social isolation and unmanaged stress—are within our control.

CHeBA’s recent trial, Maintain Your Brain, offered older adults personalised coaching on physical activity, mental wellbeing, nutrition and cognitive exercises. The program helped participants improve memory and thinking skills while reducing their risk of developing dementia.

And importantly, the program didn’t cost any more than usual care. That means there’s a real opportunity to offer this type of support more widely.

“Participants used fewer health services overall. This shows that prevention programs can improve wellbeing and reduce demand on the health system,” Professor Brodaty explained.

Why prevention matters for families

For many families, a dementia diagnosis brings not just emotional strain, but practical challenges — particularly for partners and adult children who often take on caregiving roles. These carers, most often women, may need to reduce their paid work or stop altogether, affecting family finances and wellbeing.

Prevention isn’t just about health — it’s about protecting independence, maintaining relationships, and staying active in your community.

“We’re not just talking about adding years to life, but adding quality to those years,” Professor Brodaty said.

Research has come a long way

Decades ago, there was little understanding of what caused dementia or how to prevent it. Today, thanks to researchers across the world — including many in Australia — we now have strong evidence about what works.

In the coming weeks, over 8,000 dementia experts will gather in Toronto for the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference to discuss the latest advances. Professor Brodaty says this shows how far the field has come.

“There’s been a huge shift in our understanding. From despair to discovery — we now have real tools to make a difference,” he said.

What happens next?

While the Federal Government has a National Dementia Action Plan in place, Professor Brodaty believes there’s an urgent need to go further. He’s calling for a nationwide Dementia Risk Reduction Program to bring proven approaches like Maintain Your Brain to more Australians.

If backed, such a program could help thousands of older people stay independent longer — and give families peace of mind that they’re doing all they can to protect their brain health.

“It’s time to invest in prevention. It’s time to take brain health seriously,” he urged.

For older Australians and their loved ones, the message is clear: there is hope. And with the right support, it’s possible to age with confidence, clarity and dignity.