National Dementia Action Plan
The National Dementia Action Plan 2024–2034 (NDAP) is Australia’s national dementia policy framework. It aims to improve the lives and care of people living with dementia, their carers and families over the next 10 years.
The plan includes 8 action areas, with Action 8 dedicated to improving dementia data and maximising impact of dementia research and promoting innovation. This is important as better monitoring and data on dementia nationally will provide the information needed for policymaking, program design and service planning for people living with dementia, their carers and families. Robust data are also key to measuring the effectiveness of programs and the outcomes of people living with dementia. Translating knowledge from research into daily practice, better engaging people living with dementia and use of innovative technologies can help reduce the number of new cases of dementia and improve early detection, diagnosis and care. The National Dementia Data Improvement Plan addresses Action 8 by improving data and information systems and regularly reporting data.
The AIHW track progress toward these 8 actions using specific metrics which are updated annually. Data on the state of play at the start of the action plan are available in the National Dementia Action Plan indicators dashboard. These indicators were developed with dementia experts, peak bodies, Australian governments, and public consultation. The effectiveness of the NDAP will be assessed though regular monitoring and reporting against indicators to track progress under each action.
The Action Plan will be implemented through 3 Collective Priority Frameworks. Each will run for 3 to 4 years and set key focus areas for governments.
Figure 4.1: Actions of the National Dementia Action Plan 2024–2034
Source: Adapted from National Dementia Action Plan consultation paper to align with NDAP actions.