The prevalence of dementia

• There are now 821,884 people with dementia in the UK (Alzheimer’s Research Trust, 2010)
• This is forecast to increase to over 1 million by 2021 and 1,735,087 by 2051
• The averaged incidence of dementia in the over 65’s is 0.91% increasing to over 22% in those over 85.
• View prevalence in your locality

The impact of dementia

• 1 in 3 people over 65 will end their lives with a form of dementia
• Dementia is progressive neurodegenerative disease, with a changing pattern of symptoms and increasing levels of need.
• For many people with dementia, and their families, quality of life is poor

The cost of dementia

• By 2026 Dementia will cost the UK £34.8 billion annually (King’s Fund, 2008)
• By 2018 Dementia will cost the UK economy £27 billion per year (National Audit Office, 2007)
• It is estimated that 600,000 carers save the economy £6 billion annually
• Individual cost of dementia £27,647: 5 x that of a cancer patient; 8 x that of someone with heart disease (Alzheimer’s Research Trust, 2010)

References

• Alzheimer’s Research Trust (2010) Dementia 2010: The economic burden of dementia and associated research funding in the United Kingdom. London, Alzheimer’s Research Trust. View this document
• Kings’ Fund (2008) Chapter 11: Dementia in Paying the Price. The cost of mental health care in England to 2026. London, Kings’ Fund. View this document
• National Audit Office (2007) Improving services and support for people with dementia. London, The Stationery Office. View this document