Millions of savings can be made by tackling dementia

The government must make £20bn of NHS savings by 2014, the same as the annual cost of dementia to the UK.  In a report on public expenditure, the Health Select Committee has warned that the government has no "credible plan" to make NHS savings and said it was concerned that health and social care budgets would be squeezed. People with dementia occupy up to a quarter of all hospital beds and are amongst the biggest users of social care.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'If the government wants to provide good care and stop wasting money it needs to change the way it cares for people with dementia. Dementia costs £20 billion a year, more than heart disease stroke and cancer combined. Yet the UK is in the bottom third of Europe when it comes to dementia care.  As the number of people with dementia doubles in a generation and costs triple, effective spending on dementia will pay a huge part in helping health and social services manage big cuts.'

Louise Lakey
Policy Manager
Alzheimer's Society

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk