Alzheimer’s in the UK: A Growing Crisis Demanding Urgent Action and the Benefits of Live in Care

Alzheimer’s in the UK: A Growing Crisis Demanding Urgent Action and the Benefits of Live in Care

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, continues to pose one of the greatest health and social care challenges in the UK. As our population ages, the scale and impact of Alzheimer’s are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. With over 982,000 people currently living with dementia in the UK, and projections suggesting this will rise to 1.4 million by 2040, the need for urgent reform, investment in care, diagnosis, and support has never been greater as well as pushing the benefits of live in care for Alzheimer's sufferers.

The Human Cost

In 2023, dementia claimed 75,393 lives across the UK, making it the leading cause of death nationwide—more than heart disease, lung cancer, or strokes. This statistic is not just a number; it represents thousands of families who have watched loved ones lose their memories, independence, and identity. Women are disproportionately affected, with nearly 48,500 deaths compared to 27,000 in men, continuing a trend that has persisted since 2011.

Despite its prevalence, one in three people over 65 with dementia could remain undiagnosed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the figure is even higher—two in three. This lack of diagnosis not only delays access to support but also means many deaths caused by dementia could go unrecorded, masking the true scale of the crisis.

The Economic Burden

The financial impact of dementia is staggering. In 2024, the cost of dementia to the UK economy was estimated at £42 billion, with forecasts suggesting this could more than double to £90 billion by 2040. These costs include healthcare, social care, and the economic consequences of lost productivity and informal caregiving.

The average annual cost per person varies significantly depending on the severity of the disease:

• Mild dementia: £28,700

• Moderate dementia: £42,900

• Severe dementia: £80,500

  
  

Early diagnosis and access to treatments such as AChE inhibitors could delay the need for residential care, potentially saving £8,000 to £45,000 per person. Yet, access to these interventions remains inconsistent across the UK.

Live-In Care: A Personalised Alternative

There are significant benefits of live in care for Alzheimer's sufferers. The benefits of live in care for Alzheimer's sufferers are emerging as a compassionate and practical alternative to residential care homes. It offers several key benefits for individuals living with Alzheimer’s:

• 24/7 Monitoring and Support: A dedicated carer provides round-the-clock supervision, helping manage symptoms such as confusion, wandering, and agitation, while ensuring safety and medication adherence.

• Consistency of Environment: Remaining in familiar surroundings can significantly reduce anxiety and disorientation, which are common in Alzheimer’s. Familiar routines and personal belongings offer comfort and stability.

• Social Interaction and Emotional Wellbeing: Live-in carers often become trusted companions, offering meaningful conversation and emotional support. This can help combat loneliness and depression, which are prevalent among those with dementia.

• Tailored Care Plans: Unlike institutional settings, live-in care allows for highly personalised support, adapting to the individual’s changing needs and preferences.

  
  

The benefits of live in care for Alzheimer's sufferers includes enabling couples to remain together and allows family members to stay closely involved in the care process, which can be emotionally reassuring.

Challenges in Care Provision

The UK’s social care system is struggling to keep pace with the growing demand. According to Age UK, 2 in 3 people aged over 80 are living with multiple long-term health conditions, including dementia. However, fewer older people are receiving long-term care from local authorities than a decade ago, despite a significant increase in the over-75 population.

Staffing shortages are compounding the issue. The number of district nurses—vital for supporting people with dementia at home—has declined by 19% since 2014. Meanwhile, 131,000 social care posts remain vacant, with the vacancy rate for domiciliary care roles nearly doubling to 11.6%.

Hope on the Horizon

Despite these challenges, there is cause for cautious optimism. In 2025, two new Alzheimer’s drugs—lecanemab and donanemab—became the first licensed treatments in over 20 years to slow cognitive decline. While not yet available on the NHS, they represent a breakthrough in disease-modifying therapies.

Additionally, advances in diagnostics, including blood tests for Alzheimer’s, are showing promise in detecting the disease earlier and more accurately. NHS England has identified 30 potential dementia treatments that could be available by 2030.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is not just a medical condition—it is a societal challenge that affects families, communities, and the economy. With the UK’s ageing population and rising prevalence of dementia, bold action is needed. Investment in early diagnosis, equitable access to care, and support for carers must be prioritised. The benefits of live in care for Alzheimer's sufferers include offering a dignified, personalised solution that can improve quality of life for those affected. The recent breakthroughs in treatment offer hope, but without systemic reform, that hope may remain out of reach for many.

If you would like to learn more about our live in care service please call 03306 33 44 55 or e-mail info@carersathome.com