Alzheimer’s death rate surges by 23pc

DEATHS from Alzheimer’s disease soared by almost a quarter during the pandemic, a report shows.

An investigation into ‘excess’ deaths in Scotland also found diabetes deaths were up by one-third.

There was also a huge rise in the number of deaths from other causes.

These are fatalities among Scots who were not diagnosed as being infected with Covid.

The findings have prompted fresh alarm over the toll the pandemic is taking on the nation’s most vulnerable and elderly.

Routine appointments including GP and outpatient visits were halted during the crisis. There are also concerns many people stayed away from doctors and hospitals amid fears it could put them at risk of catching Covid.

The report by Public Health Scotland warns that reduced use of health services and the impact of lockdown may have taken its toll on older people.

It compares deaths at the peak of the pandemic with the average during the same period in 20152019. It shows the total death rate per 100,000 population – including those from Covid-19 – rose from 299 to 394, up 32 per cent.

But there was also a rise in the death rate from Alzheimer’s and

‘Access the health care they need’

dementia from 31 to 38 per 100,000, an increase of 23 per cent.

Deaths from other undefined causes rose by 38 per cent. The death rate from diabetes rose from five to six deaths per 100,000 population, while cancer rose by 2 per cent.

The report states: ‘Our findings provide some support for the hypotheses that excess mortality from causes other than Covid-19 in Scotland may have resulted from reduced use of health services by those that need them, and from unintended consequences of measures taken to control the spread of the virus.

‘Reduced use of hospitals or primary care services might explain the excess mortality from cancer, circulatory causes, and diabetes.

‘Also, physical distancing measures have been anecdotally linked to deterioration of physical and mental health of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.

‘The measures taken to control the spread of Covid-19 may also have had negative economic and social consequences, with implications for mental health and coping strategies that may be reflected in excess external and ill-defined causes of death, eg drug-related deaths, alcoholrelated deaths and suicides.’

Scottish Tory health spokesman Donald Cameron said: ‘Figures like these show we must not forget other tragic excess deaths that have happened during this period. We must see a clear plan from the SNP Government to tackle these alarming figures.’

Adam Stachura, Age Scotland’s head of policy, said: ‘We know that the lockdown has been extremely challenging for many people living with dementia and their carers.

‘We need to look at the reasons for these excess deaths and ensure every person with dementia is able to access the healthcare and support they need.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Work is ongoing to better understand excess deaths, including dementia.’