DEMENTIA CASES TO RISE...BUT NEW DRUGS OFFER HOPE

A STARK warning that cases of dementia will soar over the next two decades comes amid "hope and optimism" the condition will become treatable.

- Hanna Geissler

The total number of people living with dementia may hit 1.7 million in England and Wales by 2040, researchers forecast - some 40% higher than previous estimates.

Professor Jon Schott, chief medical officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, warned the toll "must act as a catalyst" to improve diagnosis rates and to "make it a treatable condition".

He said: "Decades of hard work have brought us to a tipping point - particularly with the first new Alzheimer's drugs in over 20 years finally on the horizon. We're also seeing revolutionary new diagnostics promise, with blood showing real tests for Alzheimer's now poised to enter the clinic.

"While the findings of this report are concerning, there is hope and optimism on the horizon too." A 2017 study led by University College London predicted that the number of people with dementia would rise from 770,000 in 2016 to 1.2 million in 2040, mainly due to increasing life expectancy.

This was based on data for 20022013, which indicated incidence of the condition was decreasing. But latest research suggests the prevalence started to increase in England and Wales from 2008 - by an average of 2.8% annually.

Experts now expect, if that trend continues, 1.7 million people will be living with dementia by 2040.

The study also found evidence of health inequalities widening, with the occurrence of dementia rising faster among people with lower educational attainment.

Prof Schott said science was providing a clearer understanding of the factors which influence the risk of developing dementia and possible ways to protect brain health.

He went on: "This report highlights, however, the important role that social factors play in determining a person's dementia risk.

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