Cost of UK strokes to triple in 20 years

Strokes are costing the UK £26 billion annually in a burden that could triple within 20 years if action is not taken, charity figures suggest.

A new report by the Stroke Association found that strokes are taking a financial toll three times higher than the previous estimate in 2009.

Researchers have said the existing cost could triple to £75bn by 2035 due to a growing ageing population and rising care costs.

Informal care and private treatment accounts for most of the cost (£15.8bn).