The Medical Research Council
Cognitive Function and Ageing Study

(MRC CFAS)

Prevalence of Dementia in England and Wales

MRC CFAS used identical methods in five sites, two in rural areas and three in cities (Cambridgeshire, Nottingham, Gwynedd, Newcastle and Oxford). Each of these sites has different prevalence of risk factors and mortality rates. 

The initial population sample was drawn from registers of general practitioners (Family Health Service Authorities lists) and random selection was carried out to recruit at least 2,500 individuals in each centre. The prevalent cases were identified in two stages. The entire study sample underwent a screening interview to pick up potential cases, and those potential cases then had a more detailed assessment. Table 1 below shows the results of this prevalence study.

The prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia did not show much variation across the centres examined in the study, so the combined prevalence data is generalisable for the national population.

Standardised to the England and Wales population estimates for 1991 the overall prevalence of dementia and above in the 65 years and over population was 6.6% (95% CI 5.9-7.3).

These estimates suggest that around half a million (543,000) people in England and Wales would be expected to be suffering from dementia of mild or greater severity.

Reference
MRC CFAS (1998) Cognitive function and dementia in six areas of England and Wales: the distribution of MMSE and prevalence of GMS organicity level in the MRC CFA Study. Psychological Medicine, 28: 319-335

Prevalence of
dementia by age.
Powerpoint slide

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