People
Professor Alison Yarnall
Ageing and Multiple Long-Term Conditions Theme Lead
Ageing and Multiple Long-Term Conditions
Addressing the needs of the ageing population has been identified as a priority by the UK government.
In the UK, the number of people aged 65 years and over is projected to be 16.1 million by 2031. While the UK has seen dramatic gains in life expectancy, there has also been an associated rise in the prevalence of multiple long-term conditions. One third of people aged over 65 years have two or more chronic illnesses, increasing to almost 90% in people aged over 80 years.
Older people are the main users of the National Health Service, yet older people are relatively underrepresented in healthcare research. This has resulted in an inequality paradox whereby older people lack evidence-based healthcare. Unless we urgently address this inequality it will quickly grow wider.
Our dedicated theme around ageing, reflects Newcastle’s internationally-renowned expertise in this area. The overarching strategy within this theme is to help to develop and evaluate diagnostics that are fit for the needs of older patients with multiple long-term conditions and their complex healthcare needs.
The clinical lead for the theme is Miles Witham, Professor of Trials for Older People at Newcastle University. Our deputy clinical lead is Alison Yarnall, Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Newcastle University. Dr Jana Suklan is our Senior Methodologist lead for the theme.
Projects within this theme are focused on conditions and illnesses more common in the older population including diagnostics for stroke and dementia.
