Women 'bearing the brunt of dementia surge'

Women are bearing the brunt of the surge in the number of people with dementia in the UK, according to a new study.

Alzheimer's Research UK has revealed the condition is now the leading cause of death among women, who are also more likely to become carers for those with the disease.

"Women are dying from dementia but not before it has taken a considerable toll on minds and bodies. In the UK, dementia hits women the hardest," the report states.

According to the study, more than 500,000 women are now affected by dementia, while around 350,000 men have the condition. In addition, they are two and a half times more likely to care for someone with dementia.

The report calls on the government to boost funding for dementia report. Matthew Norton, head of policy for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said that the total amount spent on dementia in 2013 was £73.8 million, compared with £503 million for cancer. 

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.