Dementia
Dementia is associated with a loss of general cognitive ability and can present needs for which intermediate care is beneficial. There are many subtypes of this illness, with the most common being Alzheimer’s Disease. Although the prevalence of dementia increases with age, dementia is not a normal part of aging.
In the UK, 1 in 14 people aged 65 years and over lives with dementia. It presents a unique set of challenges for the national population which is ageing. Costs associated with dementia are projected to more than double by 2040.1
A focus on modifiable risk factors can help reduce the incidence of dementia and allow better control of symptoms once disease develops. It is estimated that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented if the 14 modifiable risk factors identified are addressed successfully.2
The risk factors and mechanisms are illustrated below.
An in-depth Health Needs Assessment for Dementia in Bedford Borough was conducted in 2025 and the Executive Summary can be downloaded below.
The latest data relating to people with dementia in Bedford Borough can be found by following the links below.
Dementia: Recorded prevalence (aged 65 years and over)
Estimated dementia diagnosis rate (aged 65 years and over)
Dementia: Direct standardised rate of emergency admissions (aged 65 years and over)
References
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The economic impact of dementia [Internet]. Carnall Farrar/ Alzheimer’s Society; 2024. Available from: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-05/the-annual-costsof-dementia.pdf
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Addressing 14 health and lifestyle factors could prevent nearly half of global dementia cases. AVailable from: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/nearly-half-of-global-dementia-cases-could-be-prevented-or-delayed-by-addressing-14-health-and-lifestyle-factors-says-new-report/