Read: Potential links between socioeconomic deprivation and dementia yet another illustration of health inequality

Dementia is the cruellest of diseases, robbing those affected of their memories and dignity and their families and friends of the person they love. 209,600 people will develop dementia this year – that’s one person every three seconds.

 The total number of people with dementia in the UK is set to rise from 900,000 to 1.6 million by 2040. It is the leading cause of death in England and Wales, even during the pandemic. Tragically, dementia is the only disease in the top ten causes of death without an effective treatment. It is also one of the main causes of disability later in life, ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke, with 70% of people in care homes having dementia or severe memory problems.

The scale of the problem is matched by the economic cost, set to rise sharply over the next two decades from £34.7bn to £94.1 billion by 2040. The cost of social care for people with dementia is set to nearly treble, increasing from £15.7bn to £45.4bn. Two thirds of the cost of dementia are paid for by those with dementia and their families, but its impact is felt throughout our health and social care system.

As with other health disparities, dementia takes its biggest toll on the most disadvantaged. There are indications that socioeconomic deprivation may be associated with a higher risk of death from dementia and at a younger age, as well as poorer access to accurate diagnosis. Research in 2021 from Queen Mary’s Wolfson Institute, funded by Barts’ Charity, found that 21.5% of dementia deaths in 2017 were attributable to deprivation.

There are a range of factors that link deprivation with dementia, including education, diet, vascular risk, stress and access to healthcare. The research from Queen Mary’s also found that poorer quality of diagnosis in more deprived patients means they are disadvantaged when it comes to prognosis, counselling, planning of future care, access to appropriate symptomatic treatments and opportunities to participate in research. Less positive outcomes are the inevitable consequence of health inequality and dementia clearly illustrates the point.

Many of these factors were cited by the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, last month when he announced a new 10-year plan to tackle dementia, with a target of preventing four in ten cases. The plan has not yet been published but the Health Secretary emphasised that the 10-year plan will be as ambitious on research as on prevention, focusing on how new medicines and emerging science and technology can be harnessed to improve outcomes across the country. As up to 40% of dementia diagnoses are considered potentially preventable, the strategy will also include actions to tackle high blood pressure, physical inactivity, alcohol, obesity as well as the promotion of health eating – issues that all contribute to so many of the health problems that are prevalent in poorer communities.

Reaching into these communities effectively, and understanding the barriers that prevent people from seeking and getting the right help, is crucial if we are going to reduce the incidence of dementia. For example, thousands of people from South Asia living with dementia in the UK are being denied access to help and support because stigma and taboo in their communities deter them from getting diagnosed. They are already at higher risk of other illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes that also increase the risk of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society reports that nine out of ten people with dementia said they benefited from a diagnosis and is launching a new campaign for National Dementia Action Week to drive up diagnoses rates.

Without a doubt, the local knowledge and expertise in NHS organisations and community groups can make a difference if supported by Government action and funding. Partnerships with charities like the Alzheimer’s Society will also be vital in making a difference, allowing people with dementia a better quality of life and to live a longer period of their lives in good health. Dementia is a debilitating illness that has a significant impact on families and, yet again, we see the disproportionate impact on those from less advantaged communities. Earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment will help to level up health outcomes and deliver positive impacts for individuals, families and communities, as well as for our NHS and our economy.

By Rt Hon Anne Milton