NUMBERS of people suffering with dementia in East Anglia is set to soar by 45 per cent over the next 15 years, research has revealed.The Alzheimer's Society has now called on local authorities and health trusts to ensure they plan fully for the surge in demand on services - warning otherwise it could become a “massive problem”.

NUMBERS of people suffering with dementia in East Anglia is set to soar by 45 per cent over the next 15 years, research has revealed.

The Alzheimer's Society has now called on local authorities and health trusts to ensure they plan fully for the surge in demand on services - warning otherwise it could become a “massive problem”.

Suffolk currently has 9,110 people living with dementia, but by 2021 it is predicted that number will soar to 13,448.

Sue Booth, East Anglia and central area manager of the Alzheimer's Society, added: “Dementia is set to dramatically increase in East Anglia, yet it is unclear how our health and social services plan to deal with dementia now or in the future.

“Dementia must become a local and national priority. We need leadership from local authorities and services to develop plans to respond to the challenge of dementia.”

Graham Newman, portfolio holder for adult and community services at Suffolk County Council, said assessments were being carried out to identify clusters of people needing services and more residential provision would be targeted at those needing specialist care.

Caroline Tuohy, director of commissioning and development at Suffolk PCT, said a new health strategy was set to be published this year.