A recent study by Alzheimer’s Research UK has revealed that dementia remains the leading cause of death in the UK, responsible for over one in ten deaths last year. It surpasses other major conditions such as ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. The rise in dementia-related deaths, which reached 76,894 in 2024, is attributed in part to the aging demographic of the nation.

Hilary Evans-Newton, the CEO of Alzheimer’s Research UK, described the figures as “heartbreaking.” She emphasized the devastating impact dementia has on families, as well as the significant burden it places on society, the economy, and the National Health Service. However, she stressed that dementia is not an unavoidable fate. “It’s caused by diseases,” she noted, “and science is finally equipping us with tools to combat them.”

Evans-Newton highlighted the progress made in developing potential treatments and the availability of simpler, earlier diagnostic tests. These advancements, she believes, have the potential to transform lives, but only if the government takes decisive action. “Proper support for research, clinical trials, and a comprehensive plan to prepare the NHS for delivering new tests and treatments is essential,” she urged.

Although a cure for dementia remains elusive, a portion of cases might be preventable through lifestyle changes. Researchers have identified 14 risk factors, including lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet, which can potentially be modified to reduce the risk of developing dementia.

While there is no cure for dementia, a proportion of cases are thought to be preventable with a healthy lifestyle.

Research has identified 14 factors that increase risk, including physical inactivity, smoking, drinking excessive alcohol and having a poor diet.

Hearing loss, vision loss, depression and social isolation have also been found to increase a person’s chances of developing the condition.

Dr Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England’s national clinical director for dementia and older people’s mental health, said: “These figures show that dementia remains one of the biggest public health challenges of our time.   

“Around one in three dementia cases in England could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 different risk factors, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking, and type 2 diabetes.

“The NHS is committed to supporting people to improve their health through interventions like treating high blood pressure, prescribing statins, smoking cessation services, and the diabetes prevention programme.”

Dr Isaacs said the NHS was diagnosing record numbers of people with dementia, and figures are expected to keep rising.

He added: “It is vital that people are supported across health and social care, while new treatments are developed through clinical research — including by Alzheimer’s Research UK — for this devastating disease.”