The older people’s champion and dementia ambassador campaigns to improve the lives of patients, their ­families and carers.

Ms Rippon, 69, who lost her mother to dementia, has lent her support to a new initiative encouraging architects and hospitals to put the needs of dementia patients at the heart of hospital design.

Speaking at the launch of the world’s first dementia-friendly “virtual hospital”, she said: “Patients living with dementia are the fastest growing group of new admissions in our hospitals.

“But even some of the most modern are wholly unsuitable environments for people affected by this condition.

“Hospitals are frightening places for people with dementia. Making them environments and areas where patients are not frightened and can remain calm is vital.

“This new virtual resource demonstrates how acute design can be practically applied to meet the needs of this group of patients more effectively.” At least a quarter of acute hospital beds are occupied by dementia sufferers.

A third of those admitted to hospital who also suffer from dementia never return to their homes because their condition deteriorates so badly during their stay.

Professor June Andrews, director of Stirling University’s Dementia Services Development Centre, which created the virtual hospital with Edinburgh-based BPA Architecture, said: “We know that traditional acute hospitals are very dangerous places for people with dementia.

“But we also know from the evidence how to make them safer environments and we have developed this resource to share our knowledge widely.

“As our populations age, dementia rates are set to soar around the world.”

The virtual hospital includes clearer signs and easy-to-see clocks to help sufferers orientate themselves. Bigger changes include altering floor coverings to reduce noise and help dementia patients identify where there is a step.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/health/441372/Angela-Rippon-We-need-to-end-the-dementia-crisis-now