Australian deaths from dementia and asthma hit record high levels

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on October 27, 2026, revealed that dementia accounted for more than ten percent of all deaths in Australia for the first time. The Guardian reported that 188,421 total deaths were registered in 2025, with 19,019 caused by dementia, which includes Alzheimer's disease. The statistical agency confirmed that dementia has remained the leading cause of death in Australia since 2024. [1]

The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures also showed that the number of people dying from asthma in Australia reached a decade-high level. The Guardian reported that these findings highlight rising mortality rates for both chronic brain disorders and respiratory conditions across the country. [1]

Asthma symptoms frequently worsen at night or in the early morning and can range from mild episodes to severe attacks requiring emergency care. Medical management relies on controller medications like inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, along with short-acting beta-agonists to relieve acute symptoms. [4]