Federal Government Invests $67.7 Million in Dementia and Ageing Research

Dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, and up to 850,000 Australians could be living with the condition by 2058. The Federal Government has responded with a $67.7 million research investment through the Medical Research Future Fund, targeting prevention, early intervention, and equitable access to care. Here's what the funding means, and why it matters for older Australians and their families.

The funding, delivered through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and channelled via the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission, targets prevention, early intervention, equitable access to care, and the development of Australia's next generation of health researchers.

$67.7M

Total new research investment announced

850K

Australians projected to have dementia by 2058 without action

45%

Of dementia cases globally that may be preventable or delayable

$18B

is the annual cost of dementia to Australia, projected to rise to $37B within 25 years

What does the funding announcement cover?

The $67.7 million funding package is split across two streams:

$22.9 million for dementia and ageing research, including eight funded projects under the 2025 Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Grant Opportunity.
$44.8 million for early- and mid-career researchers to lead large-scale interdisciplinary work and translate findings into new health policies and practice.

The eight newly funded projects focus on:

Reducing dementia prevention inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait. Islander peoples, rural and remote communities, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations.
Implementing best-practice care across aged care settings.
Understanding what enables or blocks high-quality care delivery.
Extending healthy, active years of life through targeted interventions.

Read the full announcement on the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Read the official media release

Key projects funded

Maintain Your Brain+ (MYB+)

A $3 million grant has been awarded to the MYB+ program, led by Professor Henry Brodaty AO at the University of New South Wales, who was named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year.

The program builds on earlier research demonstrating that online, personalised coaching can reduce dementia risk and improve cognition.

The expanded initiative targets Australians aged 45–80, with a particular focus on those in rural and remote areas who have historically had less access to preventive health services.

Researchers describe it as the "slip, slop, slap of brain health."

"Imagine what the return on investment would be if Australia did this."

— Professor Henry Brodaty AO, University of New South Wales

Dementia Friends Unite

$900,000 has been awarded to Dementia Friends Unite, a culturally tailored, community-led dementia education program led by Dr Diana Karamacoska at Western Sydney University. The program is designed specifically for communities where language, culture, and access barriers have limited engagement with mainstream dementia awareness efforts.

Dementia prevention as a national priority

A central theme running through the announcement is prevention. Health Minister Mark Butler emphasised that dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing, and that research evidence now points to 14 modifiable risk factors that collectively account for up to 45 per cent of cases globally.

"Dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, making action more important than ever. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and up to 45 per cent of cases globally can be avoided or delayed through 14 modifiable risk factors."

— Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care

Professor Brodaty has long argued that dementia prevention has been underfunded relative to cancer and heart disease, despite contributing more to Australia's overall disease burden. This investment signals a shift in that balance.

Why this matters economically?

Dementia currently costs Australia $18 billion per year.

Without intervention, that figure is projected to reach $37 billion within 25 years. Professor Brodaty has noted that even delaying dementia onset by just one year across the population would generate profound economic and social benefits.

Part of broader aged care reform

Minister for Aged Care Sam Rae noted that this investment builds on the government's wider aged care reform agenda, which includes funding for 20 new Specialist Dementia Care units and an expansion of the Hospital to Aged Care Dementia Support Program, both announced in the 2025–26 Budget.

"Every Australian deserves to age with dignity and in good health. The Albanese Government is investing in the crucial research needed to make a difference in the lives of older Australians at risk."

— Sam Rae, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors

The Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission, administered by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) on behalf of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, is investing a total of $185 million in research that supports quality of life for older Australians. The latest grants are the most recent tranche of this broader commitment.

What does this mean for people living with or at risk of dementia?

For older Australians, and for families navigating the aged care system, this investment represents a meaningful step toward a future where dementia is less inevitable, better managed, and more equitably addressed across all communities.

At Just Better Care, we support participants living with dementia every day. Our care workers are trained to deliver compassionate, person-centred support that helps people remain at home for as long as possible, consistent with the research goals being funded through this initiative.

If you or a family member would like to understand your options for dementia support at home, we encourage you to get in touch with your local Just Better Care office.