Dementia: 510,165 people recorded with a diagnosis in England

NHS England data shows 510,165 people had a recorded dementia diagnosis on 31 January 2026, a fall of 2,301 since 31 December 2025; 34,524 of those recorded were diagnosed before age 65.

NHS England reported that 510,165 people had a formal recorded diagnosis of dementia on 31 January 2026. That total was 2,301 fewer than the number recorded on 31 December 2025. Dementia remains most common among older people, but experts and advocates note an increase in young-onset cases and renewed calls for better diagnosis and support. Key facts: - 510,165 people in England had a recorded diagnosis of dementia on 31 January 2026, according to NHS England data. - The number fell by 2,301 compared with the figure for 31 December 2025. - 34,524 people (6.8% of the total) had received their diagnosis before age 65, described in reporting as young-onset dementia. - The Alzheimer's Society urged new diagnosis rate targets and long-term investment, and mentioned the Government's Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia as an opportunity to prioritise improvements. Summary: The figures show the scale of recorded dementia diagnoses in England at the start of 2026 and highlight that a measurable share of cases are diagnosed before age 65. Advocates have called for updated diagnosis targets and sustained investment, and they point to the government framework as a possible route to address those aims.