Most Australians are unaware dementia is the second-leading cause of death in the country, following heart disease, new data shows.
The survey conducted for Dementia Australia found more than 80 per cent of the 1049 respondents did not know the mental condition was one of the leading causes of death.
Additionally, almost 40 per cent did not know the disease was not a normal part of ageing.
"This is quite simply not good enough," Dementia Australia chair Graeme Samuel told AAP.
The results were "incredibly disappointing" and showed more information and education needed to be provided to the public and general practitioners, Mr Samuel added.
"We have an obligation and an urgent need for people to treat those who have dementia with care, respect and dignity."
People found the issue confronting and more work needed to be done within the community to help raise awareness about the disease and who it affects, Mr Samuel said.
The newly formed Dementia Australia organisation aims to address stigma and confusion associated with the illness.
Trevor Crosby, who's been diagnosed with the common cause of dementia called Lewy body disease, backed the change and the potential to better educate the community.
"There is no time to waste in the search for a cure, for a way to prevent dementia and to ensure a better quality of life for everyone living with this condition," he said.
An estimated 413,000 Australians have dementia, with that figure expected to more than double in the next 40 years.
