Pharmacists need more support to advise people with dementia

The poll of more than 270 retail pharmacists in England was commissioned by Alzheimer's Society and pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer and Novartis as part of the charity's Worried about your memory? campaign.  

Sixty four per cent of pharmacists said they would like more information on local support services for people with dementia and their families. They also asked for information on reducing the risk of dementia (63%); the management of dementia (60%); how dementia is diagnosed (58%) and the symptoms of dementia (56%).

Andrew Chidgey, Alzheimer's Society Head of Policy and Public Affairs, says,

'The results of the poll clearly show that not only do the public have a need for this information, but that it is imperative that pharmacists are equipped with sufficient knowledge and information to pass onto their clients.  Dementia is shockingly under-diagnosed and the more we can equip practitioners on the frontline to support people who are worried about their memory, the quicker they can get a diagnosis and the support that they need to live as well as possible.'

Alzheimer's Society says there are currently 750,000 people living with dementia in the UK, yet only a third of them have had a diagnosis. Alzheimer's Society's Worried about your memory? Campaign aims to encourage people worried about their memory or that of a friend or loved one to seek help from their GP.  Leaflets and posters were mailed to more than 2,000 pharmacies in England.  The pharmacists were asked to display the materials to highlight how people worried about their memory or that of a friend or family member could get help. More than 800 people have requested an information booklet as a result.

Find out more alzheimers.org.uk/memoryworry