Dementia could affect 1.7m people in England and Wales by 2040, data finds

Figure is 42% higher than previous estimates and would pose enormous threat' to healthcare systems

Dementia poses an enormous threat" to healthcare systems and the general public in England and Wales, experts have warned, as data suggests 1.7 million people will have the condition by 2040.

It is already known to be among the most serious health and social care threats and a new analysis shows the total number affected could be 42% higher than previously estimated.