Dementia Action Week 2026: ‘It’s time to talk about dementia’
What: Dementia Action Week 2026 is from Monday 21 September to Sunday 27 September, which includes World Alzheimer’s Day on Monday 21 September. World Alzheimer’s Day is on Monday 21 September 2026.
Theme: It’s time to talk about dementia.
Dementia is Australia’s leading cause of death, but it is a topic that is not discussed openly enough. With close to half a million Australians living with dementia, and this number on the rise, now is the time to talk about dementia.
Call to Action: This Dementia Action Week, Dementia Australia is asking everyone to join a national conversation to increase understanding and reduce stigma that surrounds Australia’s leading cause of death.
Everyone has a voice and a role to play, and every conversation will make a difference to people living with dementia, their families and carers.
For more information about how to get involved with Dementia Action Week, visit dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementia-action-week
Spokespeople: Interviews are available with Dementia Australia spokespeople and Dementia Australia Dementia Advocates (people living with dementia and carers).
Public activations: On Thursday 24 September, Dementia Australia is inviting the public to join the national conversation and share their stories and perspectives about dementia at activations in central Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.
- Melbourne: 9.00am - 1.00pm AEST at Bourke St Mall
- Brisbane: 10:00am – 1.00pm AEST at State Library of Queensland
- Perth: 12.30pm – 3.00pm AWST at Yagan Square
- Sydney: 12.30pm – 3.00pm AEST at Martin Place
To mark Dementia Action Week and World Alzheimer’s Day, 22 landmarks across Australia will be lit up in teal.
For dementia information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 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: Andrea Hogan, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 0406 904 118, [email protected] or Kelly Horn, Media Relations and Communications Advisor, 0420 729 876, [email protected]
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.
