Research from the University of London links the onset of dementia to intensifying social inequalities, rising obesity rates and unhealthy lifestyles
London, Thanasis Gavos
The number of people developing dementia in England and Wales is expected to almost double to 1.7 million by 2040, according to research by UCL University of London.
The study shows that cases of dementia in the country are increasing at a faster rate than previously estimated, a trend linked to intensifying social inequalitiesthe increasing rates obesity and the unhealthy lifestyle.
Rising incidences of dementia will also increase the pressure on the NHS public health system and the social care sector, the scientific report says.
It is currently estimated that almost 900,000 people in England and Wales suffer from dementia. If current trends continue, this number will rise to 1.2 million by 2030 and 1.7 million by 2040.
The study is based on age-specific dementia incidence data 50-80 years old in England from 2002 to 2019.
Between 2008 and 2016 it was recorded increase of dementia cases in the population vs 25%. The very high percentage is attributed to the obesity “epidemic” and diabetes type 2, but also in widening social inequalities that leave vulnerable citizens isolated, as well as in improving the survival rates of stroke patients.
The study highlights that four out of ten cases of dementia could be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle that would reduce the incidence of obesity, i.e. a healthier diet, less alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation.
Source :Skai
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