Dementia to outstrip lung cancer as main cause of death: RIVM
Dementia will be the biggest cause of death in the Netherlands by 2030, overtaking lung cancer, the public health institute RIVM says in a new report.
Although people do not die of dementia itself, their systems weaken, making them more vulnerable to lung infections, falls and other health issues, the RIVM says. By 2030, the average life expectancy for men will be 82 and for women 85 – three years older than now.
Lung cancer accounted for 8% of deaths in 2012, followed by dementia and heart problems. In 2030, dementia will be behind 12% of deaths while lung cancer will account for 9%, the RIVM figures show.
The RIVM also expects the number of people suffering a chronic health condition will rise from 5.3 million in 2011 to seven million by 2030.
The Netherlands has a population of around 17 million. The increase will stem from improved diagnoses, allowing diseases to be treated earlier and better, the RIVM says.
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