Number of people dying with dementia more than doubles in past decade
Critics say the increased death toll is a result of inadequate funding and thousands die in care homes
THE number of Brits dying with dementia has more than doubled in 13 years — and many pass away in care homes against their wishes.
One in six deaths in 2014 had dementia on the certificate, against one in 15 in 2001.
Victims are less likely to die at home than people with cancer, circulatory or respiratory illnesses.
Two-thirds of adults want to see their days out in familiar surroundings and 21 per cent aged 65-plus do.
That falls to eight per cent for dementia patients.
A report by Public Health England says the condition is “not routinely identified as a terminal illness”, meaning patients have less access to end of life care.
It highlights a lack of training among carers and community workers and says too many dementia patients are admitted to hospital unnecessarily.
Death rates from dementia vary across the country, with those in deprived areas more likely to die young. This is blamed on differences in diagnosis and care.
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But the report notes people with dementia may pose a particular challenge because of their “complex needs”, caused by a change in mental function, capacity and behaviour.
Martina Kane, from the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia is still being overlooked as a terminal illness.
“Consequently, we continue to see the sustained failure to prepare and plan for end of life care for people with the condition.
“Some are not dying where they had hoped; others are dying in pain, or without dignity.