Experts predict significant rise in numbers of people with dementia in Northern Ireland

New research launched today by the Alzheimer's Society states that more than 20,500 people in Northern Ireland will be living with dementia by 2017.

The London School of Economics and King's College London research, commissioned by the Alzheimer's Society, reports that dementia currently affects 16,000 people in Northern Ireland.

Claire Keatinge, Northern Ireland director of the Alzheimer's Society says:

'This report gives us a clear picture of the scale of dementia here and now. We know that the number of people with dementia is set to increase by nearly a third over the next decade. We need dementia to be treated as an health and social care priority by the newly elected NI Assembly, to ensure that people with dementia and their carers throughout NI, have services and support that meet their needs.'

Together with Scotland, Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of people over 65 living in care homes in the UK with fewer people receiving day care or domiciliary services.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Byrne, phone 028 9038 7788, mobile 0774 524 3524 or the Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

• The Northern Ireland research supplements the Dementia UK report published by the Alzheimer's Society in February 2007. The independent research provides authoritative estimates for the number of people with dementia and future projections.
• Dementia costs the UK £17 billion per year, or £539 per second.
• 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 5 people over 80 have dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
• As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.
• The Alzheimer's Helpline number in Northern Ireland is 028 9066 4100 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm) or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.