Alzheimer’s Society comment on Department of Health announcement on national strategy for dementia

'Today is a pivotal moment for millions of families affected by dementia. For too long dementia has been at the bottom of health and social care pile. This announcement by our new government represents a real step forward in policy towards dementia.

Dementia is the health and social care challenge of the century. This is an exciting opportunity to make sure the knowledge and expertise we now have about dementia care and treatment makes a difference to the lives of thousands of people throughout England.

There is a huge task ahead. Currently, 600,000 people have dementia in England yet more than half of these will never receive a formal diagnosis and families are often left to cope alone until they reach crisis point. In less than twenty years over a million people will have dementia, we look forward to working with the government to ensure people now and in the future receive the care and support they deserve.'

Neil Hunt
Chief executive
Alzheimer's Society