Leading cause of death in UK claims many more women than men

Dementia has been identified as the leading cause of death in the UK, with more women affected than men, according to recent analysis. Alzheimer’s Research UK has cautioned that without government intervention, the situation will only deteriorate as the population continues to age. The organisation has called for the forthcoming 10-Year Health Plan to be utilised to reinforce NHS dementia services and ensure that living with dementia is not a death sentence.

In 2023, 75,393 individuals in the UK passed away from dementia, marking an increase from the previous years. Currently, around 944,000 people in the UK live with dementia, with projections suggesting this number could rise to 1.4 million by 2040. The impact of dementia extends beyond just individuals, with significant strain placed on public services and the economy.

Alzheimer’s Research UK highlights that dementia has been the primary cause of death among women since 2011, with more women succumbing to the condition compared to men. Among the four nations of the UK, Northern Ireland recorded the highest dementia death rate, followed by England, Wales, and Scotland.

The charity’s chief executive emphasised the importance of using the upcoming 10-Year Health Plan to implement advancements in dementia research and ensure the provision of high-quality care for those affected by the condition. Care minister Stephen Kinnock expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing dementia care and supporting groundbreaking research to transform treatments and services.

The prevalence of dementia as a leading cause of death in the UK, particularly affecting more women than men, underscores the urgent need for continued research, improved services, and increased awareness. As the population ages, addressing the impact of dementia on individuals, families, and society at large remains a critical challenge that requires proactive government intervention.

**Insights and Summary:**

The rewriting of the original news article focused on the concerning rise of dementia as a leading cause of death in the UK, with a higher impact on women than men. The article highlighted the call for government action to address the growing crisis and improve dementia services to provide better care and support for those affected. The insights provided further emphasise the significance of ongoing research and the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the challenges posed by dementia in society.