Dementia Australia congratulates its Honorary Medical Advisor Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty AO on being named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the national honour is a well-deserved recognition of Professor Brodaty’s extraordinary lifetime contribution to dementia research, clinical care, advocacy and his unwavering commitment to supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers.
“Congratulations to Professor Brodaty on being named 2026 Senior Australian of the Year,” Professor Buchanan said. “As Scientia Professor of Ageing and Mental Health and Co‑Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW, Professor Brodaty has led internationally recognised research into dementia risk reduction and prevention.
“His contributions to the nation’s health are immeasurable and certainly deserving of such a prestigious honour.”
Professor Buchanan said Henry’s work is fundamental to making Dementia Australia what it is today.
“Professor Brodaty was the founder and former President of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and President of Alzheimer’s Australia, which is now Dementia Australia,” Professor Buchanan said.
“He founded the Dementia Australia Research Foundation and chaired its Board from 1995 to 2016. He has also provided global leadership as a co-founder of Alzheimer’s Disease International where he continues as honorary vice-president.
“Professor Brodaty’s leadership, compassion and scientific excellence have transformed our national and global understanding of dementia, influencing policy, research and practice to ensure better dementia care and support for hundreds of thousands of Australians, and many others globally.
“We are deeply grateful for Henry’s enduring commitment to dementia care and research and congratulate him on this greatly deserved recognition.”
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 433,300 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 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:
Teresa Cong, Senior Media & Communications Advisor, [email protected], 0423 383 564
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
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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.
