Dementia cases set to rise

Dementia is often a reason for the need for long-term care in a residential care home.

80% of those living in a residential care home have a form of dementia or severe memory problems.

New global figures from Alzheimer’s Disease International say that 44 million people live with dementia worldwide, but they expect that figure will increase to 135 million by the year 2050.

This is the result of improved life expectancy in poor and middle-income countries.

This projection has been published ahead of an important G8 dementia summit which takes place next week in London.

Here in the UK, dementia is set to become the biggest health and social care challenge of a generation.

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Relatively little is spent on funding research in dementia, with only one eighth of the funding received for cancer research.

Over 800,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with dementia and this figure is set to rise to above 1 million by 2021.

Dementia tends to afflict older people, and women represent two-thirds of people with dementia.

Here at Informed Choice, we are very proud to be a Dementia Friendly Surrey Champion Organisation.

Our work with elderly clients means we come across a large number of people who have or are affected by dementia.

We have made a commitment to help those with dementia, and their carers, live well in our community.

Informed Choice has pledged to ensure people know where to access clear advice and information that will help people remain independent and in control of their lives as they age.

We will also ensure that people with additional or particular needs are supported flexibly at critical times, for example those with older people living with dementia and older people who need assistance after a period of illness and/or bereavement.

As incidences of dementia rise rapidly during the coming years, it is important that businesses (particularly those providing professional advice) recognise some of the challenges created by dementia and respond accordingly.

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