Federal government forecasting predicts about 850,000 people, twice the current numbers, will be living with dementia by 2058 unless there is a cure or breakthrough treatment.
An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found dementia was the leading cause of death for women,the second leading cause of death for all Australians after heart disease.
The report found an estimated 337,200 people provide unpaid care, often at a great cost to their own wellbeing and income.