Dementia refers to a set of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline in brain function. These symptoms may include problems with memory loss, understanding, problem-solving, language, mood and movement, which cause difficulties with carrying out daily living activities. There are several types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease (a progressive disease that affects the brain) and vascular dementia (when the brain is damaged due to issues with blood supply) being the most common. Research commissioned by the Alzheimer’s society estimates the number of people with dementia will increase to over 1 million by 2025, assuming there are no public health interventions and change is being driven by the ageing population alone.
England has an aging population and the South West of England has a net migration of retirees. Consequently, there is concern regarding the eventual impact of dementia on the Dorset health and care system.
Key statistics
Dementia indicaters are drawn from the Dementia profile (PHE). * indicates a statistically significant difference from the respective English Average.
| Indicator | BCP | Dorset | South West | England |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recorded prevalence of dementia in those aged 65+ (%) 2020 data | 4.43* | 3.53* | 3.83* | 3.97 |
| Estimated dementia diagnosis rate in those aged 65+ (%) 2021 data | 60.5 | 51.1 | 57.7 | 61.6 |
| People dying with dementia aged 65+ (per 100,000 persons) 2019 data | 866 | 717* | 770* | 849 |
Source: Dementia Profile (assessed 01/12/2021)