World Alzheimer's Day

The figures, published by Alzheimer's Disease International, also suggest that there will be a further 85% increase in costs by 2030 as the number of people with dementia continues to rise.

This is the first time we have had a true indication of the universal scale of the dementia crisis we currently face.

Ruth Sutherland, Interim Chief Executive for Alzheimer's Society, said:


'These shocking statistics provide yet more proof that we cannot afford to ignore the growing global dementia crisis. These sky high figures represent not only a huge economic burden but also reflect the immeasurable impact dementia has on the lives of millions of people across the world.

'There are 750,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this number is set to reach a million within a generation. If we are to transform lives and reduce costs we need to act now. The government must lead the way in ensuring national dementia strategies are fully implemented and dementia research is given the funding it so desperately needs.'