Abstract
As New Zealand’s population ages, dementia rates are projected to double by 2050. New research is providing stronger evidence that mental health disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, significantly increase dementia risk, especially when severe. Psychological distress more than doubles dementia risk, and people with poorer self-rated health are also at higher risk.
Mental health challenges are rising in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), yet unmet need for services has also grown, highlighting a care gap. The evidence underscores the need for early, sustained investment in mental health. This means a life course approach and whole-of-government action to reduce social and economic disadvantage, promote wellbeing, and lower population-level dementia risk.