Dementia now accounts for more than a tenth of deaths in England and Wales, figures reveal

DEMENTIA accounted for more than a tenth of registered deaths in England and Wales in 2018, figures show.

It was the top cause for women, while men’s top cause was heart-related.

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The total figure of 541,589 deaths last year was the highest for a decade, the Office for National Statistics said.

It pointed out mortality rates have remained generally stable since 2011, taking into account population size and age.

Overall, mortality rates varied regionally, with London having the lowest mortality rate and the North East having the highest for women and men.

But deaths from dementia continued to rise, accounting for 12.8 per cent.

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