There are currently 944,000 people with dementia in the UK, more than ever before, and this number is projected to increase.
Due to the gradual nature of dementia, the mild early-stage symptoms and the low diagnosis rate, it is difficult to know the exact number of people living with the condition. Several studies have been carried out to determine the prevalence of dementia among particular age groups, and these are used to estimate the total numbers of people living with dementia in the UK.
Page last reviewed: 26/01/2022
Source: Luengo-Fernandez, R. & Landeiro, F. (in preparation). The Economic Burden of Dementia in the UK.
Source: Dementia Attitudes Monitor (2019) and ONS 2018 population estimates
Source: Lewis, F: Estimation of future cases of dementia from those born in 2015 (July 2015); Consultation report for Alzheimer’s Research UK
Source: Luengo-Fernandez, R. & Landeiro, F. (in preparation), The Economic Burden of Dementia in the UK; Office for National Statistics Census Data – Age groups
The number of people with dementia in the UK is expected to grow rapidly over the next several decades. As age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, increasing life expectancy is the driving force behind this projected rise.
Source: Luengo-Fernandez, R. & Landeiro, F. (in preparation). The Economic Burden of Dementia in the UK.
Estimated number of men and women living with dementia by age group
The higher life expectancy of women is translated into higher prevalence of dementia in older age groups.
Source: Prince, M et al (2014) Dementia UK: Update Second Edition report produced by King’s College London and the London School of Economics for the Alzheimer’s Society