Why is dementia fatal?

Earlier this month, data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found 17,400 people died in 2023 due to dementia. This is 9.5% of all deaths.

Published: 9 October 2025

But it can also be an associated factor in death, accounting for a further 15,000 deaths in 2023. This is considered dying with dementia.

Studies suggest dementia deaths may be even higher, as under-reporting on death certificates is common.

So, how does dementia actually lead to death?