Sharp rise projected in Jersey dementia cases by 2043

A report found there would be a 52% rise in the number of islanders with dementia by 2043

The number of people in Jersey with dementia or heart disease is expected to rise sharply, a report has said.

The Public Health Jersey report, which looked at the needs of an ageing population, found there would be a 52% rise in the number of islanders with dementia by 2043.

It projected a 42% jump in cases of heart failure in the same time period.

Other serious conditions such as high blood pressure and kidney disease were also predicted to rise significantly.

The report also found more than 36,000 additional GP appointments would be made by 2043.

This means that at least 10% more GPs were needed in Jersey to cope with the demand, the report said.

The analysis said the proportion of the population aged 65 and over was projected to rise from 19% to 25% by 2043, about 6,100 additional people.

The projections "demonstrate what may potentially happen if the current disease prevalence continues, while the population ages and changes", the report concluded.

It added: "The value of projections is to support policymakers and service providers to both better prepare for the future, and to act, where change could lead to a better outcome."