1 in 3 People Born in the UK in 2015 could get Dementia - Study

                         

 

One in three people born in the UK this year is projected to develop dementia in their lifetimes, according to Alzheimer's Research UK. The figures were based on current life expectancies and the risk of people developing dementia as they age.

However, there is acknowledgement that the figures - projecting what could be happening 100 years in the future - are only an estimate. More than 800,000 people in the country are already affected by the disease, which is caused by the destruction of brain cells.

Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia and rising life expectancies could increase the number of people living with the condition. Heart disease, diabetes, smoking and a lack of exercise are also linked to the condition.

The charity commissioned the Office of Health Economics to make the projections.
It predicted that:

• 32% of people born in the UK in 2015 will get dementia in their lifetime
• 27% of men would get the condition
• and 37% of women

Dr Matthew Norton, from Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "These figures underline a stark reality - as people are living longer, more and more people will develop dementia in the future if action is not taken now to tackle the condition.

"It's wonderful news that each generation is living longer than the last, but it's important to ensure that people can enjoy these extra years in good health.

"Dementia is our greatest medical challenge and if we are to beat it, we must invest in research to find new treatments and preventions." The charity described the forecast as a "looming national health crisis".

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