Dementia is biggest killer in Britain claiming over 70,000 lives last year

Charities are calling for action to stop “the biggest health crisis of our time” with dementia and Alzheimer’s now the leading cause of death in Britain.

Some 69,478 deaths were caused by dementia and Alzheimer’s in 2018, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Figures reveal dementia and Alzheimer’s was responsible for 12.8 per cent of the 541,589 registered deaths last year.

Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop the condition this year. By 2021, one million people will be living with the condition but this will double to two million by 2051. Now charities want the government to make good its promises and “prioritise dementia” by delivering social care reform and creating an NHS Dementia fund.

Sally Copley, director of policy and campaigns at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “For four years now, we’ve seen deaths caused by dementia increase. We need to take action now to tackle the biggest health crisis of our time.

“There has never been a more urgent need for the Government, the NHS, the research community and society to unite with us against this devastating condition.

“We are working hard to make sure everyone can live well with dementia today and find a cure for the future, but we need the Government to prioritise dementia with a dedicated NHS Dementia Fund and invest in a plan for long term social care reform.”

Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year - the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.

In response to the ONS figures, Dr Hilda Hayo, chief admiral nurse and chief executive at Dementia UK, said: “This is further clear-cut evidence of why dementia needs to be made a priority amongst government.

“Rising incidences of dementia may point to increased public understanding around the condition but it does not diminish the often intense emotional and practical strain faced by families. “The government needs to do more to integrate the creaking social and healthcare systems. More access to funding for social care and specialist dementia support will undoubtedly help to relieve the pressures on a struggling NHS and allow more families to live well with dementia.”