Dementia Emerges as Leading Cause of Death in the UK

Dementia remains the leading cause of death across the UK, according to a comprehensive analysis based on data from national statistics agencies. Over 75,000 deaths were attributed to the condition in 2023—more than one in ten of all recorded deaths.

With nearly one million people in the UK currently living with dementia, experts predict this figure will rise dramatically to over 1.4 million by 2040, underscoring the scale of the challenge for health and social care systems.

Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Dementia Research UK, highlighted the alarming findings:
“This data paints a stark picture of the devastating toll dementia continues to take on individuals, families, and society. Without decisive government action, this crisis will deepen as our population ages.”

Ms Evans-Newton further noted the immense strain dementia places on public services, stating:
“Dementia accounts for a quarter of hospital beds occupied by patients over 65, with costs to the NHS doubling in the last decade, driven by emergency admissions that are often avoidable. The societal impact of dementia cannot be ignored.”

Dementia UK has proposed a series of actionable measures to alleviate the burden on families and improve care for those living with the condition.

Key recommendations include:

• Enhancing hospital care for dementia patients to improve outcomes and reduce strain on NHS resources.
• Addressing the financial strain on families by reforming the NHS continuing healthcare funding process to better reflect the unique challenges of dementia.
• Supporting younger individuals living with early-onset dementia through age-appropriate services and targeted diagnosis initiatives.
• Strengthening primary care to ensure timely diagnoses and adequate post-diagnostic support for all affected individuals.

Jayne Connory, spokesperson for Care Campaign for the Vulnerable, echoed these calls, emphasizing the profound impact on caregivers and the care sector:
“Dementia not only robs individuals of their independence but also places immense emotional and physical strain on families and carers. The need for improved transparency, safety, and quality in dementia care is more pressing than ever.”

Ms Connory added that many families experience feelings of guilt and uncertainty when placing loved ones into care homes. She urged policymakers to prioritize dementia research and support to alleviate this widespread concern.

The burden of dementia is disproportionately borne by women, who account for nearly two-thirds of dementia-related deaths. In 2023 alone, over 48,000 women succumbed to the disease, compared to 27,000 men.

Across the UK, Northern Ireland recorded the highest proportion of deaths from dementia (11.7%), followed by England (11.6%), Wales (10.6%), and Scotland (10.2%).

Looking ahead, Ms Evans-Newton described the government’s forthcoming 10-Year Health Plan as a pivotal chance to transform dementia care and capitalize on advances in research and treatment. She emphasized the importance of integrating new diagnostic tools and therapeutics to help mitigate the impact of dementia.

“This plan must prioritize future-proofing NHS dementia services and ensuring every person affected by this condition has access to the compassionate care they deserve,” she said.

Care Minister Stephen Kinnock acknowledged the far-reaching impact of dementia on families, including his own, and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting those affected: “With our Plan for Change, we aim to put the NHS on a stronger footing and create a society where individuals with dementia receive compassionate, high-quality care from diagnosis to end of life. By investing in research and ensuring timely access to innovative treatments, we can make meaningful progress in addressing this devastating condition.”