Dementia increase could be stabilising, but remains our most consistent health and social care challenge

A study of dementia cases in five Western European countries has found evidence that the numbers of people developing the condition may be stabilising.

Despite populations continuing to age, the research, published today in ‘The Lancet Neurology’ journal, finds that a number of key lifestyle factors are having a positive impact on dementia prevalence, such as education and living conditions, as well as a reduction in the risks caused by other conditions like vascular disease.

Taking data from five large epidemiological studies – conducted in Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK – researchers were able to compare data from older people across two different time periods. The team found that in the UK, for example, the number of adults being diagnosed with dementia was found to be 22 per cent less than estimates established from previous diagnosis rates when applied to an ageing demographic.

Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer’s Society chief executive, comments: “While this study is welcome in showing that the percentage of people in particular age groups developing dementia could be getting smaller, the overall number of people with dementia is still set to increase as more people live into their 80s and 90s. With no cure, few effective treatments and an economic impact exceeding that of cancer or heart disease, dementia remains the most critical health and social care challenge facing the UK.

“This paper draws conclusions from the only suitable studies conducted in Europe – only five covering just four countries from over 15 years of research. This limited evidence may not indicate a continuing trend and we know that there are other risk factors for dementia, such as diabetes, that are increasing. We urgently need to improve the quality, coverage and regularity of research into the prevalence and numbers of people with dementia. Without this, we only have estimates to work on which can vary widely and can lead to poor health planning that can drastically affect our ability to make care better.

“The good news is that this research indicates improvements in healthcare, lifestyle, education and living standards in Western Europe are combining to play a role in reducing dementia prevalence. Today’s findings should energise the health system to do more to raise awareness and reduce our risk of dementia. Alzheimer's Society will continue to lead in increasing public understanding of dementia and responsible risk management.”