GPs are failing to keep basic records on dementia

Research shows two thirds of people with dementia have not been listed on their GPs register, meaning thousands are having to battle the condition without access to care and support.  It also shows the huge variation in dementia diagnosis across the country.

GPs are expected to compile lists of all those diagnosed, as part of the GP contract.   However, according to an analysis of those lists in England by Alzheimer's Society, only 220,000 people out of the 575,000 people with dementia in England are on their GP register.

A separate survey by the Daily Mail and Alzheimer's Society, found that: family doctors believe inadequate training, and a shortage of support services for people with dementia, is mostly to blame. 

Other findings include:

• 29 per cent of GPs admit they have not had enough training to diagnose and manage dementia.
• 60 per cent of GPs said there was a reluctance to diagnose because of lack of services.

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,

'700,000 people live with dementia in the UK today yet research shows only one in three of them will ever receive a diagnosis. Without a diagnosis people cannot understand many of the frightening symptoms; cannot make plans for the future or access support to help them live their life to the full.

The Mail's survey shows the reasons behind this shocking figure - a lack of GP education; a lack of support services for people with dementia and a lack of resources in dementia care. That's why Alzheimer's Society has been campaigning to improve early diagnosis of dementia.

By supporting Daily Mail's Christmas appeal, you will be helping us lead the fight against dementia to ensure that everyone affected by these devastating diseases gets access to an accurate and timely diagnosis.'

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