Experts’ forecast according to which the number of patients with dementia is likely to touch the height of 1.7 million in UK by 2051 is really appalling. In addition, other facts and assumptions pulled out by these experts are also no less confounding. Before moving further catch sight of the facts that are awful:-
Awful facts:-
1,7 million people in UK will have dementia by 2051
Currently 700,000 – or 1 person in every 88 in the UK – have dementia that costs £17bn annually.
Total number of people with dementia in the UK is likely to increase about 940,110 by 2021
By 2051 the figure will be 1,735,087 – an increase of 154% from now
Dementia will affect the lives of around one in three people either as a sufferer, or as a career or relative
One in 20 people over 65 and one in five people over 80 has a form of dementia
Caring for one person with late-onset dementia costs an average of £25,472 per year
These harsh facts points to tough challenge lying ahead before both patients as well as health officials. Therefore, hard measures are required to be taken sooner; otherwise, the inundation of dementia would engulf a big percentage of Britons. The following words of Professor Martin Knapp, of the London School of Economics, one of the report’s authors exhibit the same view:
This research highlights the desperate need for dementia to be made a national priority.
The future of patients with dementia, especially in the UK seems somewhat invidious if we take a note of the concern expressed by health experts, exposing the fact that heed paid by the health officials to tackle this paralyzing problem of dementia is insufficient. Expressing concern on this inefficiency of services and support for people with dementia Mr. Knapp further asserts:
This new research shows that the government is failing to support people with dementia and their carers. Dementia will place an intolerable strain on our health and social care system unless the right services and support are in place.
In brief, I would just say that to embank the rising tide of dementia health officials as well as health experts will have to work by putting heart and soul together only then some solution to keep dementia at bay could be carved out.
Image credit: Shawnpoynter
Via: BBC