New research reveals that dementia 'hits women the hardest'

A study by Alzheimer’s Research UK reveals that dementia is now the leading cause of death in British women.

16:43 17 February 2015

A recent study conducted by Alzheimer’s Research UK has revealed that more and more women in Britain are dying from the medical condition.

Entitled Women and Dementia: A Marginalised Majority, the report said: “Women are carrying the responsibility of care for their loved ones, only later to be living with the condition. Women are dying from dementia but not before it has taken a considerable toll on minds and bodies. In the UK, dementia hits women the hardest.”

The study also urged the government to increase funding of dementia research and requested for an improved investment in care.

“Dementia is a life-shattering condition and represents a ‘triple whammy’ for women,” said Hilary Evans, director of external affairs at Alzheimer’s Research UK. “More women are dying of dementia, more women are having to bear the burden of care, while a disproportionate number of women currently working in dementia research are having to leave science.”

Matthew Norton, head of policy for Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “Just look at the figures,” he said. “The total UK spend – from charities and the government – on dementia in 2013 was £73.8m. By contrast, for cancer, that figure was £503m. And we can now see the effect this gulf in funding has on disease profiles in Britain.”