One person is diagnosed with dementia every six minutes - about 1,800 new cases per week - and experts say Australian workplaces are not equipped to deal with the rising numbers.

With dementia currently affecting 340,000 Australians, and predictions that the numbers will increase by a third in less than 10 years, virtually every sector will have to find better ways to cope.

Alzheimer's Australia chief Carol Bennett says the Federal Government should work with workplaces to address the issue.

“If we ignore this issue, it's at our peril,” Ms Bennett told ABC reporters.

“We've seen the numbers that have increased, and you know, we're going to see an increasing prevalence of the condition, we can't afford to ignore it.

“What we've seen is that there has been an increase in the number of younger people getting younger-onset dementia, and we know that about 25,000 young people currently have it in Australia.

“As the prevalence of dementia progresses, we will certainly need to be adjusting and making sure that we've got policies in workplaces as that prevalence increases.”

Clinical neuropsychologist Dr Nicola Gates says the conversation on workplace responses to dementia in Australia has not even started.

“You would be looking at 5 to 15 per cent of the workforce over 65 having a cognitive impairment,” Dr Gates said.

“I don't think the Australian workplace is currently set.

“They haven't established policies and procedures, HR departments don't know what to do yet, and the policy changes within government to extend or delay the age of retirement haven't been matched by polices and looking at employment with people with cognitive problems.”

Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley says the Government wants to be a participant in a conversation.

“We are certainly aware of the increasing incidence [of dementia],” she said.

“In the same way we've tackled mental health in the workplace, I believe we will similarly tackle dementia in the workplace.

“Certainly when you consider the ageing population, the increasing costs for health over future generations as indicated by the intergenerational report, and also the changed service profile that older people need in their communities, it is of course something that governments remain very committed to and very focused on.”

Garry Brack from the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries says many employees will have to deal with dementia on a case-by-case basis.

“There won't be any clear policy to say you keep them in the workplace longer, and you give them less significant jobs because there may be none,” he said in an interview with the ABC.

He said dementia brings a risk potential litigation, caused by poor decisions of sufferers and potential discrimination from employers.

“Employers are at risk and they worry about those things,” he said.

“Should they change the job, modify it, simplify etc, in some cases it will be possible. Should it be an obligation, a legal obligation, a legal responsibility? It should not.”