Image of male nurse pushing senior woman in a wheelchair in nursing facility

Once diagnosed with dementia, the average length of survival is four-and-a-half years, according to a new report out of Britain. The study followed some 13,000 British citizens over the age of 65 over the course of 14 years.

Researchers found that those expected to live the longest after diagnosis are women between the ages of 65 and 69 with no pre-existing disabilities. Some 81% of the 438 patients who developed dementia died during the study period. Among the factors researchers studied were age, sex and pre-existing disability.

Study authors say that providers, policymakers and others should benefit from such research.