HealthThe GuardianAsthma deaths reach decade-high levels and number of Australians dying of dementia grows
New ABS data shows dementia now accounts for more than 10% of all Australian deaths for the first time, while asthma deaths have hit a decade high.
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, accounted for more than 10% of all deaths for the first time, new data reveals
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows dementia caused over 10% of all deaths in 2025 for the first time, while asthma deaths reached their highest level in a decade.
There were 19,019 dementia deaths and 484 asthma deaths recorded in 2025, with women accounting for almost two-thirds of deaths from both conditions.
Experts say many asthma deaths are preventable, with too many Australians relying on reliever medication alone rather than preventer treatments that address underlying inflammation.
Asthma Australia says many deaths are preventable, so if you or someone you know relies only on a reliever puffer, it is worth talking to a GP about adding a preventer.
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