Epidemic of loneliness among people with dementia must end

Almost two-thirds of people with dementia who live alone are lonely.

This is according to the Alzheimer's Society's new Dementia 2013: The hidden voice of loneliness report.

It states that 62 per cent of those living alone with dementia are lonesome. It also found that 54 per cent of the general public believe people with the cognitive condition have a poor quality of life.

Asked about their general outlook, 63 per cent of people living with dementia said they feel anxious or depressed, while 35 per cent said they had lost contact with friends after being diagnosed with the disease.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: "This report reveals the stark truth that too many people with dementia, especially the thousands who live alone, are truly isolated."

He added that the "epidemic of loneliness" must be put to an end. He feels this will also save thousands of pounds because it will help people being admitted to hospitals unnecessarily.

Find out about dementia care and support services at Barchester care homes.