Dementia is the leading cause of death in women, according to ONS

Dementia is the leading cause of death in women and the third leading cause of death in men, according to new mortality statistics released by the Office of National Statistics today (29 October 2014).
31,850 women died with dementia in 2013 compared to 26,075 deaths from ischemic heart diseases, the second leading cause of death in women. 15,262 men died with dementia in the same year.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

Gavin Terry, Policy Manager at Alzheimer's Society said:

'With 225,000 people developing dementia every year and numbers set to soar, dementia is one of the biggest health and social care challenges the UK faces. For too long dementia has been wrongly seen by many clinicians as a natural part of ageing and, as such, they have failed to record it as a cause of death. Increasing awareness of the condition has started to combat this, and these figures are likely to be a product of that.

We often hear of people with dementia not dying in the manner they want to. Staff working with people with dementia who might be nearing the end of their lives need to receive specific training so they can provide the best care possible and support those with dementia to die with dignity.'

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Notes to editors:
225,000 will develop dementia this year, that's one every three minutes
Alzheimer's Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK will have a form of dementia by 2015. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to two million people by 2051
Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 Billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.
Alzheimer's Society champions t

he rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them

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Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

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