Alzheimer's and dementia deaths at highest level

Alzheimer disease and dementias have become one of the leading causes of death in Scotland.

The number of deaths from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia has reached its highest level since records began in 2000, new figures show.

The National Records of Scotland (NRS) said the rate of deaths had more than doubled in the past two decades, with 6,612 deaths caused by the conditions last year.

It is now one of Scotland's leading causes of death, responsible for one in ten fatalities, with nearly two-thirds of those being women.

The NRS said death rates had risen as more people reached the oldest age groups, with an average age of death at 87 and 85% of deaths occurring among people aged over 80.

Alzheimer's disease and dementia accounted for 6,612 deaths across Scotland last year

In 2000, there were 2,013 deaths from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Scotland, a mortality rate of 56 per 100,000.

This had risen to 6,612 last year, a rate of 122 per 100,000.

When a broader measure is used, which counts cases including Alzheimer's disease and dementias as a contributing factor to death, the total rises to 10,618 deaths.

This wider measure is now at its lowest level since 2014, indicating an overall decline in mortality rates linked to these conditions.

NRS found death rates for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in the most deprived areas were 1.3 higher than they were in the least deprived areas.

However, its report noted: "This compares to the rate of deaths from all causes being twice as high in the most deprived areas as in the least deprived areas."

In Scotland, regions that faced the highest mortality rates from 2020-2024 are Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.

The Scottish Borders had the lowest rates.

The figures also showed almost two-thirds (64%) of deaths due to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias occurred in care homes - with 4,258 deaths taking place in such settings.

Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events at NRS, said the rate of deaths from Alzheimer's disease and other dementias had "risen alongside the growing number of people in the oldest age groups".

Age Scotland chief executive Katherine Crawford said deaths rising year on year is a "stark reminder that much more must be done to support those affected".

For more stories and resources on living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, visit the BBC's Living with Dementia page.