Deaths from dementias increase

6,277 deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias were registered in 2022, this is an increase of 231 from 2021, according to figures published today by National Records of Scotland. 

Over 80% of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias occurred amongst people aged over 80. Females accounted for two thirds of the deaths.

Sixty-four per cent of the deaths took place in care homes while 22% were in hospitals and 14% at home or in non-institutional settings.

At local health board level, over the last five years, Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and Forth Valley had the highest mortality rates. The lowest rate was in the Borders.

Daniel Burns, Head of Vital Events Statistics, said:

“Deaths from dementias are one of the highest causes of death in Scotland. The mortality rate for 2022 is twice what it was in 2000.  

“The increase may partly be driven by increasingly life expectancy, particularly among females, and the high number of children born in the post war years reaching the age at which Alzheimer’s and other dementias are the leading cause of death. 

"Those living in the most deprived areas of Scotland are 1.3 times as likely to die of dementia when compared to those living in the least deprived areas. This compares with 1.8 times as likely for deaths from all causes.”

Background

The National Records of Scotland (NRS) is responsible for producing statistics on Scotland’s population. 

The publication Alzheimer’s and other dementia deaths in 2022 is available on our website.

Media enquiries should be directed to: 
Pauline Monchy
[email protected] 
m. 07917 575455

Further information about the statistics is available from:
Statistics Customer Services    
Tel: 0131 314 4299
E-mail: [email protected]