One in three people born this year will develop dementia, according to a new study.
Alzheimer’s Research UK, which commissioned the analysis, says it further underscores a situation increasingly accepted to be a ‘looming national health crisis’.
In response, the charity is calling for greater efforts to develop new treatments.
Dr Matthew Norton, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “It’s wonderful news that each generation is living longer than the last, but it’s important to ensure that people can enjoy these extra years in good health.
“Dementia is our greatest medical challenge and, if we are to beat it, we must invest in research to find new treatments and preventions.
“Research has the power to transform lives and our actions now will help determine the future for children born today.”
The latest study, carried out by the Office of Health Economics, show 27 per cent of boys born in 2015 will develop the condition in their lifetime, alongside 37 per cent of girls.
George McNamara, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia is already the biggest health challenge this country faces. It costs the UK in excess of £26bn, which equates to £30,000 per person with dementia – more than the cost of either cancer or heart disease.”
Previous research from the Office of Health Economics has estimated that the development of a drug that could delay dementia by five years would cut the number of cases by a third.
Alzheimer’s Society has pledged to put at least £100m into research over the next decade.
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