Dementia could strike one in three people born in the UK in 2015

One in three people born in the UK this year is projected to develop dementia in their lifetime, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The charity described the forecast as a “looming national health crisis”. The figures were based on current life expectancies and the risk of people developing dementia as they age.

However, there is acknowledgement that the figures – projecting what could be happening 100 years in the future – are only an estimate. More than 800,000 people in the country are already affected by the disease, which is caused by the destruction of brain cells.

Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia and rising life expectancies could increase the number of people living with the condition. Heart disease, diabetes, smoking and a lack of exercise are also linked to the condition.

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