National Dementia Awareness Week 21-27 September 2026
In 2026 there are an estimated 446,500 Australians living with dementia. Dementia Australia leads Dementia Action Week, a national awareness initiative held annually to improve public understanding of dementia, reduce stigma, and encourage supportive communities for those living with the condition.
The campaign aims to promote early diagnosis, highlight available support services, and empower individuals, families, and carers with knowledge and resources. The Action Week has been running for many years as part of Australia’s broader health promotion efforts to address dementia. With Australia’s ageing population, the prevalence is expected to continue rising, making awareness and early intervention increasingly important.
How it works
Dementia Action Week is primarily a national awareness campaign rather than a single physical event, involving a range of coordinated activities across communities, workplaces, and online platforms.
Activities may include
- Educational workshops
- Webinars
- Community talks
- Counselling
- Information sessions delivered by healthcare professionals and advocates.
Social media campaigns and media outreach are also used to spread key messages, while some communities may organise fundraising or local awareness initiatives to support dementia services and research.
How to get involved
- Individuals, community groups, schools, and organisations can get involved in Dementia Action Week by hosting or attending local events, sharing campaign materials, and promoting awareness within their networks.
- Organisations can collaborate with Dementia Australia to access toolkits, resources, and guidance on running awareness activities.
- Workplace participation is also encouraged, where employers can organise information sessions, encourage staff education, or promote dementia-friendly practices.
- Volunteers can support by helping at events, spreading awareness through community engagement, or assisting in fundraising efforts.
- Even small actions, such as initiating conversations about dementia or sharing credible information, contribute to the broader goals of the campaign.
