Carents are increasingly worried about the current lack of support for those affected by dementia.
Without significant investment and reform, dementia services will struggle to keep up with the projected rise in cases over the next 15 years.
A 2019 expert report, commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society, paints a clear picture of the future challenges.
Dementia will become more common
Dementia is set to become even more common, with a much higher proportion of older people living with the condition by 2040.
For example, in England, the percentage of people over 65 with dementia will jump from 7.2% in 2019 to 10.8% by 2040—that means more than 1 in 10 older adults will be affected by the condition.
The table below indicates how dementia rates will vary across England. By 2040, the South West and East Midlands are expected to see the highest rates of dementia, with over 12% of older people affected in those areas.
| Percentage of older people living with dementia | 2019 | 2040 |
| South West | 7.15% | 12.6% |
| East Midlands | 7.1% | 12% |
| South East | 7.2% | 11.5% |
| North East | 7.12% | 10.1% |
There will be more people needing care and support for dementia
As rates rise, the number of people needing care and support for dementia will increase.
Across the UK, the number of adults over 65 requiring care is expected to increase by 715,000—from 885,000 in 2019 to approximately 1.6 million by 2040. Northern Ireland is set to see the biggest rise, with numbers likely doubling.
The report also looks at how many extra cases will occur in different areas of England so that local care services around the country can make detailed plans for the predicted increases in case numbers.
Financial Implications
Financially, the cost implications of caring for the extra cases of dementia are significant for all concerned.
The overall costs of dementia care in the UK are projected to soar from £34.7 billion in 2019 to £94.1 billion by 2040—an increase of £59.4 billion. In England alone, the cost of care will rise from £29.49 billion to £50.46 billion.
As this table shows, these care costs include health care, social care, and the informal care provided by friends, partners, and, importantly, carents.
| Predicted costs of dementia care in the UK | 2019 | 2040 |
| Health care costs | £ 4.15 billion | £6.7 billion |
| Social care costs | £13.49 billion | £23.99 billion |
| Costs to carents and other informal carers | £11.71 billion | £19.42 billion |
Social care accounts for the largest portion of these costs and the figures include costs met by the state and by service users who are self-funders. In 2019, around 60.6% of the overall costs of social care in England (£8.3 billion), were met by self-funders – amounting to over £5 billion.
Informal care and support by carents and other carers contributed significantly to the overall UK costs in 2019 and is predicted to increase by almost £8 billion by 2040 – from £11.7 billion to £19.4 billion.
Growing Pressures on Carents
These data shine a spotlight on the growing numbers of carents stepping up to care for older loved ones living with dementia. While many carents feel a deep sense of duty and privilege in supporting their family and friends, many report that neither they, nor those living with dementia are able to access the practical and emotional support they desperately need.
We urgently need more investment in dementia care, forward-thinking policy changes, and innovative care solutions to enable everyone to live well with dementia.
Further reading
Wittenberg, R., Hu, B., Barraza-Araiza, L., & Rehill, A. Projections of older people living with dementia and costs of dementia care in the United Kingdom, 2019–2040. Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics
