AT 78, Professor Henry Brodaty has spent decades shaping the way Australia, and the world, understands dementia.
Now, his extraordinary contributions have earned him the title of 2026 Senior Australian of the Year.
Prof Brodaty’s journey into dementia care began on a deeply personal note.
In 1972, his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a moment that would shape the direction of his life.
What followed was a career defined by research, advocacy, and compassionate care for people living with dementia and their families.
In 2012, he co-founded the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), leading studies that revealed how lifestyle, mental engagement, and targeted interventions could delay, or even prevent, the onset of dementia, now a leading cause of death among Australians.
His Maintain Your Brain trial offered hope, proving that cost-effective, practical strategies can make a real difference.
National Seniors Australia CEO Chris Grice described Prof Brodaty as a pioneer whose work exemplifies the power of experience.
“Professor Brodaty’s lifetime of research, support, and advocacy has transformed lives. He embodies the potential of older Australians to contribute in ways that can’t be measured,” Mr Grice said.
The Senior Australian of the Year award also shines a light on the broader conversation about ageing.
As Mr Grice points out, older Australians are too often framed as a societal challenge rather than a source of knowledge, wisdom, and opportunity.
By 2041, the population aged 65 and over is projected to increase by 2.35 million, with those aged 85 and older expected to grow by almost 750,000.
“Professor Brodaty, and this award, remind us that older people are not just participants in society – they are builders, innovators, and leaders whose impact is immeasurable,” Mr Grice said.
The recognition aligns with NSA’s Experience Matters campaign, designed to change perceptions of older Australians and celebrate the value of lived experience.
Prof Brodaty’s career is a testament to that philosophy: combining scientific rigor with human compassion to create lasting change.
“A true pioneer and leader, Professor Brodaty exemplifies the very essence of experience and the potential of an undervalued cohort,” Mr Grice said.
His story is not just about dementia – it’s about the power of one person’s lifelong dedication to making a difference, and a reminder that experience matters.
