Dementia Challenge organisers outline 2015 vision for England

A year on since the Government’s Dementia Challenge was launched the first report has been published detailing the progress of the champion groups involved.

Looking for advances in three key areas: improvements in health and care, the creation of dementia-friendly communities and better research; the groups are committed to making England one of the best countries in the world for dementia care by 2015.

Ambitious goals include: a drive for more timely diagnosis; access to recognised information resources for adults who suspect they or a loved one might be showing symptoms; to ensure adults with dementia maintain as active a role in society as possible; to ensure respect and dignity is at the heart of all services; and that end of life wishes are respected.

On the drive to create dementia-friendly communities the publication reports on a healthy level of success so far, having more than doubled the target of 20 cities, towns and villages and with 15 already part of a pilot stage for the first recognition process.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt welcomed the progress made, commenting: “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.”

On the Prime Minister’s wish to see 1m people become a ‘Dementia Friend’ by 2015, the report states that 2,247 people have signed up to train as volunteer Dementia Friends Champions, with 500 already trained. Although these numbers seem low in comparison, organisers claim these individuals now have the potential to reach a further 100,000 members of the public through dementia awareness sessions.

Other significant steps include the establishment of 20 Local Dementia Action Alliances, the launch of 21 dementia education pioneer programmes in schools across England, as well as 21 separate pioneering research projects.