The research also suggests that the cost of dementia to the UK economy is £23 billion per year - more than cancer (two times more), heart disease (three times more) and stroke (four times more). Spending on dementia research is shown to be 12 times lower than for cancer.

The figures have been released a year after the publication of the National Dementia Strategy for England.

'A year on from the National Dementia Strategy for England, this research is a timely reminder of the colossal dementia challenge facing the country.

The huge strides forward we have seen in other fields, like cancer or heart disease, provide hope that the burgeoning dementia crisis can be overcome. But our failure to invest in dementia support and research means the UK is wasting millions on poor dementia care.

We can no longer afford for dementia to be the poor relation when it comes to health issues. With the right investment dementia can be defeated. Ahead of the election, all political parties must wake up to the human and economic cost of this devastating condition.'
 

Andrew Ketteringham
Director of External Affairs
Alzheimer's Society