As many Australians start the year with a New Year’s resolution to increase their physical activity, Dementia Australia is cheering them on. Physical inactivity is the nation’s largest contributing modifiable risk factor for dementia – a significant motivation to get active in the new year.
A 2023 study [1] found that in Australia, physical inactivity was the largest modifiable risk factor for developing dementia – exceeding smoking, alcohol consumption and traumatic brain injury.
Additionally, in 2024, the Dementia Lancet Commission reported that midlife physical inactivity is a risk factor for dementia [2] .
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said it is vital Australians know the importance of being physically active, not only for their bodies, but their brains too.
“A sedentary lifestyle or low levels of physical activity has consistently been linked to an increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Dementia Australia is calling on the Australian Federal Government to fund a national discussion about brain health and how to lower our dementia risk – including getting physically active.
“In the meantime, it is important that Australians of all ages know the importance of being active. The Dementia Australia library has information and tips for being physically active both before and after a dementia diagnosis.”
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Heather Cooper, who lives with dementia, enjoys the benefits of regular movement as someone who exercises multiple times a week at age 80.
“I run four times a week,” Heather said.
“The other two days I do cross training and then I have a rest on one day. The community bus takes us once a week to where there's a pool, so I swim a kilometre there.
“And of course, I walk every day!
“I really structure my exercise around keeping my body really limber and looking after it in every way.”
For those looking for a way to get active in the new year consider getting involved in Dementia Australia’s largest annual fundraising event – Memory Walk & Jog. With 28 events running across the country in 2025, Memory Walk & Jog is a great way to get active and raise funds in support of people impacted by dementia. For locations, information and to register visit memorywalk.com.au
For dementia information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for live chat. The National Dementia Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
[1] See RS, Thompson F, Russell S, et al. Potentially modifiable dementia risk factors in all Australians and within population groups: an analysis using cross-sectional survey data. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8(9): e717-e25.
[2] Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Lancet 2024; 404(10452): 572-628.
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contacts: Gabrielle Prabhu, Media & Communications Manager, 0403 177 754 or Gabrielle.Prabhu@dementia.org.au
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.