Dementia is a pressing issue that affects a significant number of individuals in the UK and worldwide. As the population ages and people live longer, dementia has become one of the most important health and care concerns facing our society.
According to various sources, the number of people with dementia in the UK is estimated to be around 850,000 in 2015. This number is projected to increase to over 1 million by 2021 and over 2 million by 2051. In 2019, a report commissioned by Alzheimer's Society from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) estimated that there were currently around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK, projected to rise to 1.6 million people by 2040. The recorded prevalence rate for England was 4.0% of the over 65 patient population in December 2020. In comparisons between ethnic groups, a study led by UCL researchers found that after controlling for factors such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status, black people had a 22% higher incidence of dementia recorded than white people, while recorded incidence in the South Asian population was 17% below the average.
Here are some additional points on dementia rates in the UK:
Dementia is more common in older people, with the risk of developing dementia increasing significantly with age.
Women are more likely to develop dementia than men, with the difference in risk increasing with age.
There are several risk factors associated with dementia, including genetics, lifestyle factors such as smoking and lack of physical activity, and medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The cost of dementia to the UK economy is estimated to be over £26 billion per year, with the majority of this cost being borne by unpaid carers.
There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are treatments and interventions that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for people with dementia and their families.
Overall, dementia is a significant public health issue in the UK, with a growing number of people affected by the condition. Efforts to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support for people with dementia and their families are ongoing, with a focus on improving quality of life and reducing the economic and social impact of the condition.
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