As Dementia Action Week commences, Alzheimer’s Society is calling on the UK Government to make dementia a priority and urgently fix diagnosis as just 1.4% of dementia healthcare costs are spent on diagnosis and treatment, with families shouldering 63% of the costs
This Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society, in conjunction with CF (Carnall Farrar Ltd), has unveiled findings from one of the most extensive studies on dementia’s economic impact in the UK.
The research, drawing from records spanning seven years and 26,000 individuals, highlights the pressing need for heightened attention and resources to combat this burgeoning crisis revealing the cost of dementia care in the South West has now reached a staggering £4.5bn per year. This figure is set to rise to £9.7bn by 2040 unless urgent action is taken.
The study also highlights a concerning reality: families and individuals affected by dementia shoulder a staggering 63% of the total cost burden, with expenses escalating drastically as the disease progresses. From an annual expenditure of £29,000 for mild dementia to a staggering £81,000 for severe cases, the financial strain weighs heavily on those affected.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and almost one million people are living with the condition, yet a third of people affected have not received a diagnosis. Despite the evidence of benefits of an early and accurate dementia diagnosis, spending on diagnosis and treatment makes up less than 1.4% of the total health care expenditure.
The majority of costs come from social care (40%) and unpaid care (50%). The charity says the lack of an early diagnosis means that families are left to pick up the pieces and results in catastrophic costs further down the line.
Marion Child, Head of Local Services at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “One in three people born today will develop dementia. It’s the biggest health and social care issue of our time, yet it isn’t the priority it should be amongst decision-makers. We wouldn’t accept this for any other terminal disease, we shouldn’t accept this for dementia.
“One in three people with dementia never receive a diagnosis. They are facing dementia alone without access the vital care, support, and treatments. If we don’t address diagnosis, we have no hope of addressing the major dementia challenges we face and reducing the cost to the health service and wider economy.
“Dementia’s devastating impact is colossal – on the lives of those it affects, on the healthcare system and on the economy. Now is the time to prioritise dementia, and that starts with getting more people diagnosed.”
If you’re worried about yourself, or someone close to you, then check your symptoms today using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist. Visit alzheimers.org.uk or call their Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.
