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 The study, conducted by the Office of Health Economics, shows "a
looming national health crisis as the UK population ages", the
charity said, and underlines the need for global efforts to develop
treatments for the brain-wasting condition.
Dementia already affects some 850,000 people in Britain, and a total
of 35.6 million worldwide, according to the World Health
Organization.
It is caused by brain diseases, most commonly Alzheimer's disease,
which result in the loss of brain cells and affect memory, thinking,
behavior and the ability to perform everyday activities.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's or other forms of
dementia, and since age is the biggest risk factor, the number of
people with dementia is likely to rise as life expectancy increases.
"It's wonderful news that each generation is living longer ... but
it’s important to ensure people can enjoy these extra years in good
health," said Matthew Norton, Alzheimer's Research UK's head of
policy.
Mark Dallas, a neuro scientist at Britain's University of Reading
who specializes in Alzheimer's, said that as well as the size of the
potential problem, this study also highlighted the gaps in research
efforts and funds.
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"The startling numbers of people born this year that will be
affected by dementia (put) it on a par with other life-changing
diseases," he said. "However for every one dementia researcher there
are five researching cancer. We must invest in innovative research
to redress the balance."
(Reporting by Kate Kelland; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
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