Alzheimer's Society comment on announcement from Health Minister, Phil Hope

As the numbers of people with dementia are set to soar, improving the diagnosis of dementia is vitally important.

The half a million people with dementia living in England and their families have been waiting anxiously for a strategy that promises great change. People tell us that they want access to an accurate diagnosis; support and information that puts them in control of their lives and to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the course of the condition.

One in three people over 65 will die with dementia yet the UK is currently in the bottom third of Europe for dementia care. Whilst today's announcement contains good news, actions speak louder than words and there is an urgent need for investment in dementia to make these plans a reality. The government must publish its full strategy as soon as possible.