Dementia and Alzheimer’s were accountable for 12.7% of deaths in 2017

The office of National Statistics has revealed that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia were accountable for 12.7% of all deaths in England and Wales in 2017.
With 67,641 deaths attributing to the condition, Alzheimer’s Research UK believed an urgent investment in dementia research is required.
“One in four hospital beds are occupied by a patient suffering with dementia.” Said Dr Matthew Norton, Alzheimer Research’s director of policy and strategy. “The figures have underlined that deaths from the condition are rising, and urgent action is needed. We must make the research a priority in order to introduce life changing treatments which are very much needed.”
IN 2017, 533,253 deaths were registered in England and Wales. Age standard mortality rates decreased in both sexes as did deaths relating to cancers, respiratory diseases and circulatory diseases. Mental and behavioural disorders saw an increase of 3.6% nervous system related deaths a 7% increase.
“An increase in death rates in mental and behavioural disorders and diseases of the nervous system could be partly linked to a lack of understanding in these areas” Said Vasita Patel, Vital Statistics Outputs Branch, Office for National Statistics. With a better understanding and diagnosis of these conditions, we could start to see a reduction of mortality rates in the same way we have seen with cancers, respiratory and circulatory diseases.”