Dementia is a leading cause of death in Australia and New Zealand. It is the leading cause of disease burden in older Australians. Over 400 000 Australians have a diagnosis of dementia, and many more are carers for people with dementia. This is predicted to more than double by 2058. Palliative care helps people with a terminal illness live as well and fully as possible and to die as well as possible. It is recognised internationally under the Human Right to Health. Many people do not realise that dementia is a terminal illness and that people with dementia can benefit from palliative care from the time of diagnosis. Only a small proportion of people with dementia get access to palliative care, and this tends to only be in the last days or weeks of life. More than $3 billion per annum of Australia’s health and aged care expenditure goes directly to people with dementia, including 13% on hospital services. Often, hospitalisation is not aligned to the values and preferences of the person with dementia but is the only option available without access to palliative care. Investment in palliative care for dementia is a sustainable option for health systems, both financially and in terms of benefits to patients, families and the community. This session proposes solutions to improve end of life care in dementia, based on the author’s WA Dept of Health Churchill Fellowship to explore models of palliative care for people with dementia.