Rise in dementia-related deaths is ‘growing challenge’, say campaigners

Health campaigners have called for “urgent action” to deal with the “growing challenge” of dementia, as figures showed an increase in deaths last year.

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia caused a total of 6,491 deaths in 2023, according to the latest statistics from the National Records of Scotland (NRS).

That is up by 3% on the previous year with NRS saying the conditions are “one of the leading causes of deaths n Scotland”.

The rate of mortality from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias has now risen to 125 deaths per 100,000 people – up from 120 deaths per 100,000 in 2022 and more than double the rate of 60 deaths per 100,000 people that was recorded in 2005.

There were more deaths amongst females than males, with 66% of those dying being women.

So while there were 2,238 men who died from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias in 2023, there were 4,253 women who died.

More than fourth fifths (84%) of deaths involved a person over the age of 80, with the average age of a death from dementia being 87.

Almost two thirds (63%) of deaths occurred in care homes, with 22% taking place in hospitals and 14% in the person’s home or another non-institutional setting.

NRS also found that deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias were 1.3 times more likely in the most deprived areas of Scotland than they were in least deprived places.

While this was said to be a  statistically significant difference, NRS noted that the “gap is smaller than the equivalent figure for all causes of death”.

The total of 6,491 deaths covers those killed by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

However, when cases where these conditions are included on a person’s death certificate as a contributing factor are included, the total rises to 10,546 deaths in 2023.

Katherine Crawford, chief executive of Age Scotland, said the figures “underscore the growing challenge of dementia in Scotland”.

She said: “The continued rise in deaths, especially among the most deprived communities, calls for urgent action.

“Early diagnosis, preventative action, strong social care, and greater availability of community-based support are critical to improving outcomes for those living with dementia.

“We need to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live or their background, has access to the support they need.”

She called for a “targeted approach in dementia support services” to deal with both the the “persistent gender disparity” in dementia-related deaths as well as regional variations.

Ms Crawford stated: “Women and individuals from disadvantaged areas face particular challenges that must be addressed.”

She told how Age Scotland is “working in close partnership” with the Scottish Government to implement an “ambitious” dementia strategy – which is focused on early diagnosis, access to high-quality care, and helping those with dementia to live well in their communities.

And she said: “By focusing on these initiatives, we are not just addressing the immediate needs of those living with dementia; we are building a stronger, more resilient support network that will benefit future generations.

“It is vital that we continue to work together ensure that everyone affected by dementia in Scotland has the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives, and to feel empowered and engaged within their communities.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It is important to understand the increasing number of people developing dementia in Scotland, including the significant proportion of women living with the condition.

“The Scottish Government has invested £9.5 million over the past three years to enhance access to post-diagnostic support, with £1.5 million of this focused on enhancing support in the community so that people can stay well for longer. Support following diagnosis will continue to receive additional investment this year.”