Alzheimer's Society comment on the Autumn Statement

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'The decision to cut local authority funding by two per cent in 2015 will have a devastating impact on a social care system which is breaking at the seams and crying for investment and reform. Many people are already being forced to go without essential support and care they rely on to live well. We understand the need for austerity in combating the deficit, but with Britain's ageing population, there will be over a million people with dementia by 2021. We can’t afford to continue to let down the most vulnerable in society.

'The cuts announced today will increase pressure on the NHS, as more people in need of help and support will reach crisis point. We urge the government to reconsider these plans ahead of the spending review early next year. We also need to see early action to protect people with dementia from some of the catastrophic costs that they face. This requires caps on costs and also raising of the savings threshold.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
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 www.alzheimers-tesco.org.uk