UNSW Sydney Scientia Professor and Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Henry Brodaty AO, was honoured for his contributions to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease.

Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty has dedicated his career to advocating for people with dementia, a condition which affects more than 400,000 Australians today.

His own father’s struggle with dementia, which is now recognised as the leading cause of disease burden for older people, shaped his lifelong work as a researcher, clinician and champion for the health of older people.

Guided by his father’s legacy, Prof. Brodaty’s lifelong dedication to mental health advocacy for older Australians has earned him the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for NSW.

“I’m extremely honoured by this recognition,” said Prof. Brodaty. “This award is a tribute to my father, who lived with young-onset dementia, my mother, who was his devoted carer, and to all those living with dementia and their families.”