Alzheimer's Society responds to Office for National Statistics: Deaths in private homes, England and Wales

Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society said:

'We already knew people with dementia have been worst hit not only by the virus itself, dying in their thousands, but also by the dreadful side-effects of lockdown.

'The impact of isolation, fear of coronavirus and suspension of health and social care services will have contributed to the catastrophic increase in people with dementia dying – we saw it in care homes and now we’re seeing the impact in the community.'

'The shocking consequences of decades of underinvestment in social care are quite simply unacceptable to the many grieving families - our Dementia Connect support line hears every day from people terrified that their loved ones with dementia have been forgotten. How much more evidence is needed?

'We beg the Government to turn this disaster into a lasting legacy: a universal system, providing quality social care free at the point of use.'