Around 1 million people in the UK are living with dementia, with figures predicted to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. However, a third of people aged 65+ will not have a recorded diagnosis; in England, 510,000 patients had a diagnosis as of January 2026.^18,19,20

One in three people during their lifetime will likely have to care for someone with dementia. Around 47% of dementia carers care for their partner, 45% care for a parent, 2% care for a grandparent and 1% care for a sibling.^19,21

In England, of the 540,000 family members caring for dementia more than a fifth have had to reduce their working hours or left work to do so. Survey data also indicates that half of dementia carers are not receiving any support, despite every dementia carer having a right to a Carer’s Assessment.^19,21

One role for health professionals is to support dementia carers, some of whom report deterioration in their own physical and mental health in a way which could reduce their ability to provide care.^21,22,23