The £20 billion question: an inquiry into improving lives through cost-effective dementia services

The facts about the growing number of people with dementia in the UK and the associated costs are firmly established. It is well known that dementia is a significant and growing driver of demand for health and social care. The cost of dementia in the UK in 2010 was estimated to be £20 billion and this is expected to grow to over £27 billion by 2018. It is also clear that health and social care budgets are under extreme pressure and there is an urgent need to improve the cost-effectiveness of services. Given the high financial costs of dementia and the human cost of failing to provide good quality support, commissioners and planners will miss a vital opportunity if they do not treat dementia as a priority area for improving cost-effectiveness. The APPG believes there is ample opportunity for using resources more effectively while at the same time improving outcomes for people with dementia. The evidence in this report demonstrates that many areas have been able to not only achieve better outcomes for people with dementia but also to achieve greater value for money in dementia care, by making changes to service provision or adopting new ways of working. Many of the examples focus on earlier intervention to prevent crises or delay the need for more intensive types of support. Witnesses were also clear that integrated models of care are necessary. Professionals from across health and social care need to work closely and co-ordinate services to improve the efficiency and quality of dementia services. These findings should be incorporated within the current health and social care reforms, for example, by ensuring resources are focused on prevention and that commissioning is informed by a wide range of views. The APPG on Dementia considers that there is considerable potential to increase the cost-effectiveness of dementia services, while at the same time improving outcomes for people with dementia. We urge health and social care planners and providers to consider what they can do differently to achieve these ends. Given the considerable burden of dementia, improving the cost-effectiveness of dementia care could make a significant impact on the overall health and social care budget.