As part of Dementia Action Week 2023 (15-21 May), Tom Randall MP attended a Parliamentary reception hosted by Alzheimer’s Society where he found out that the dementia diagnosis rate in Gedling is 60.5%.
Dementia diagnosis rates vary considerably across the country from just 42% in South Hams to 82.9% in Stoke-on-Trent. The national ambition for dementia diagnosis is that two-thirds of people with dementia should have a formal diagnosis.
To highlight regional variations, Alzheimer’s Society have developed a traffic light system showing each Local Authority’s dementia diagnosis status. Gedling is Amber. This means it is not currently meeting the national target that two-thirds of people living with dementia should have a formal diagnosis.
Tom Randall MP has lent his support to the charity’s Dementia Action Week campaign on the importance of dementia diagnosis. The tagline “It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill” encourages people worried about their own or a loved one’s memory, to seek support in getting a diagnosis using a ‘symptoms checklist’. This is available on Alzheimer’s Society’s online hub at www.alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss.
Tom Randall MP said: “There are 3179 people in Gedling living with dementia, but just 1715 have a diagnosis. Everyone living with dementia deserves an accurate, timely, and high-quality dementia diagnosis so they can access vital care and support, and plan for their future.”
James White, Head of National Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We thank Tom Randall MP for meeting with us, and showing his support this Dementia Action Week.
“The dementia diagnosis rate fell below the national ambition during the pandemic, and it has remained stagnant around 62% ever since. More than 30,000 people have missed out on a diagnosis, and therefore access to help and support, during this period.
“We believe it’s better to know – 9 in 10 people told us they benefitted from getting a diagnosis as it meant they could access treatment and advice and plan for the future.”
For support and information about dementia visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss or call Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456.
[0330 094 7400 Welsh-speaking number] For callers who do not have English as their language of choice, Alzheimer’s Society can arrange a simultaneous language translation service.
