Spotlight on Longevity October 2015: Dementia – A major challenge in understanding mortality by cause of death

Dementia is already the second most common cause of death group in England & Wales. Mortality rates from dementia are increasing, unlike other major causes, so it is likely to be the leading cause of death before the end of this decade.

The rapid rise in prevalence and mortality from dementia, and the fact that it is primarily a disease of old age, mean that understanding dementia is important for projections of future longevity. However this is challenging because of historical under-reporting and changes in coding rules.

Our Longevity services team produces regular commentaries on topical issues in the management and transfer of longevity risk known as 'Spotlight on Longevity'.

To obtain copies of Spotlights, or for more information, please contact the author.