Menu
27/02/2007
Research warns of rise in dementia cases
Up to 1.7 million people in the UK will have dementia in the UK by 2051, new research has claimed.
The research conducted by the London School of Economics and Institute of Psychiatry predicted that the number of dementia cases would increase by 154% as a result of Britain's ageing population.
Currently, more than 700,000 people in the UK suffer from some form of dementia, and it costs around £17 billion a year to look after them.
One in five people over the age of 80 and one in 20 over the age of 65 suffer from some form of dementia, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common form.
There is no cure and symptoms include memory loss, delusions and speech difficulties.
Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said that dementia was one of the most serious health issues in the UK, which would place an "intolerable strain" on the country's health and social care system unless there was more investment in dementia services, research, support and training.
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said that the government had doubled the research being done on Alzheimer's disease and had also recently announced new investment in emergency respite care for carers of people with dementia.
However, last November, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence refused to recommend the use of three drugs - donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine - to treat patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. NICE ruled that the drugs should only be used to treat patients in the moderate stages of the disease.
Two drugs companies - Pfizer and Eisai - are currently seeking a judicial review of the decision.
(KMcA)
The research conducted by the London School of Economics and Institute of Psychiatry predicted that the number of dementia cases would increase by 154% as a result of Britain's ageing population.
Currently, more than 700,000 people in the UK suffer from some form of dementia, and it costs around £17 billion a year to look after them.
One in five people over the age of 80 and one in 20 over the age of 65 suffer from some form of dementia, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common form.
There is no cure and symptoms include memory loss, delusions and speech difficulties.
Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said that dementia was one of the most serious health issues in the UK, which would place an "intolerable strain" on the country's health and social care system unless there was more investment in dementia services, research, support and training.
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said that the government had doubled the research being done on Alzheimer's disease and had also recently announced new investment in emergency respite care for carers of people with dementia.
However, last November, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence refused to recommend the use of three drugs - donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine - to treat patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. NICE ruled that the drugs should only be used to treat patients in the moderate stages of the disease.
Two drugs companies - Pfizer and Eisai - are currently seeking a judicial review of the decision.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 February 2010
Dementia Research 'Underfunded'
Dementia research in the UK remains more underfunded than other serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, an Alzheimer charity warned today, it has been claimed. It costs the health service five times more to treat a dementia patient than the average person suffer from cancer.
Dementia Research 'Underfunded'
Dementia research in the UK remains more underfunded than other serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, an Alzheimer charity warned today, it has been claimed. It costs the health service five times more to treat a dementia patient than the average person suffer from cancer.
29 June 2011
More Funding For Dementia Research
More money and expertise will be ploughed in to dementia research in the hope of moving closer to finding a cure or better treatment for the millions of families affected by this devastating condition, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow announced.
More Funding For Dementia Research
More money and expertise will be ploughed in to dementia research in the hope of moving closer to finding a cure or better treatment for the millions of families affected by this devastating condition, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow announced.
07 November 2011
Six In Every Ten With Dementia 'Undiagnosed'
Around 60% of people with dementia in England go undiagnosed. This means almost 400,000 people could be going without the vital support the NHS and social care services can offer. The National Audit Office estimates that, nationally, dementia costs health and social care services £8.2 billion per year.
Six In Every Ten With Dementia 'Undiagnosed'
Around 60% of people with dementia in England go undiagnosed. This means almost 400,000 people could be going without the vital support the NHS and social care services can offer. The National Audit Office estimates that, nationally, dementia costs health and social care services £8.2 billion per year.
27 November 2007
'Huge Inequalities' In Alzheimer's Care
There are "huge inequalities" in standards of residential care for people suffering from dementia, a new report from the Alzheimer's Society has claimed. The charity's 'Home From Home' report surveyed more than 3,500 people, including relatives of people with dementia, care home staff and managers.
'Huge Inequalities' In Alzheimer's Care
There are "huge inequalities" in standards of residential care for people suffering from dementia, a new report from the Alzheimer's Society has claimed. The charity's 'Home From Home' report surveyed more than 3,500 people, including relatives of people with dementia, care home staff and managers.
23 August 2005
Health and wealth do not reduce dementia risk, study warns
Improved health and mortality are not likely to protect against the risk of developing dementia, a new study from the Medical Research Council has claimed.
Health and wealth do not reduce dementia risk, study warns
Improved health and mortality are not likely to protect against the risk of developing dementia, a new study from the Medical Research Council has claimed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
