Oxford University research on the rising cost of dementia
Published 28 October 2011
Research by Oxford University academics claims Britain spends more on dementia than any of the 15 pre expansion EU countries except for Germany, which has a much higher population.
The research, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, also states that the cost of health and social care alone for each patient in Britain is £13,000 per year. The figure doesn't include the factor of informal care by families and friends, such as help with household tasks, shopping, transport and supervision which Oxford University claim accounts for £21bn each year.
This follows earlier research from the Alzheimer's Society which shows the financial cost of dementia to the UK as £20bn each year.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'This research is a very stark reminder of the immense challenge that dementia poses for this country. We have seen huge progress in other fields, like cancer and these provide hope that the burgeoning dementia crisis can be overcome. But our failure to invest in dementia support and research means the UK is wasting millions on poor dementia care. The UK must wake up to the human and economic cost of this devastating condition. With the right investment dementia can be defeated.'
Louise Lakey
Policy Manager
Alzheimer's Society
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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 ten 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
- Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk
