Government pledges to tackle ‘shockingly low’ dementia diagnosis rates

For the first time, the Government has set a target to improve dementia diagnosis rates, after a report into the progress of the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge, found they were “shockingly low”.

The plans aim to see two-thirds of people with dementia diagnosed and given appropriate support by 2015, an increase from 39 per cent in 2010 and the current average of about 45 per cent.

Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt said: “For too long diagnosis rates have been shockingly low, leaving too many people living in the dark trying to cope with this terrible condition undiagnosed, unable to get the help they need and deserve.

“Dementia is a serious and growing problem so this ambitious drive to see a clear majority of people identified and supported is a major step forward.

“I am pleased that NHS England has set a clear direction and sent a message to the NHS that we must do more. I fully support every GP, doctor and health worker who accepts this challenge.”

The drive to improve diagnosis will be led by local Clinical Commissioning Groups, working with local health and wellbeing boards. Supported by NHS England, they will get advice on improving diagnosis and setting up additional memory services where they are needed.

Although the average diagnosis rate across England is now at around 45 per cent, up from 42 per cent in 2010/11, this leaves more than half of people undiagnosed.

Hitting the two-thirds ambition will see an extra 160,000 people diagnosed in 2015 compared to the number identified this year. This will bring them the benefits and reassurance of help and support with the condition.

Focusing on driving up diagnosis will also correct the existing postcode lottery which sees some areas with rates as low as 32 per cent. Currently the best performing local area is identifying 67 per cent of people.

David Cameron launched the Dementia Challenge in March last year and the Dementia Challenge champion groups have now produced a report on its progress.

Achievements include the launch of a social movement to recruit a million Dementia Friends as well as a call to action which has seen 136 hospitals committing to becoming dementia friendly. Over 50 towns, villages and communities have also committed to action as part of the ambition to create dementia friendly communities.

The Dementia Friendly Communities work helps the public to better understand the condition.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society welcomed the progress that has been made and said: “We’ve rallied schoolchildren, bankers, doctors, care workers and more to change the way we treat people with the condition. But the fight is not nearly over. Less than half of people with dementia have a diagnosis, denying them the support they need to live well.”

However he added: “It’s not just about diagnosis. We need a change in the way society thinks, talks and acts about the disease. Whether signing up to become a Dementia Friend or joining an event this Dementia Awareness Week, all of us have a part we can play in defeating dementia.”

Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer’s disease. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7m people by 2051.