Government announces landmark strategy to transform dementia care
Published 3 February 2009
Alzheimer’s Society has welcomed the publication of the first ever National Dementia Strategy for England today (Tuesday 3 February).
Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson announced £150 million to improve the lives of people living with dementia. He unveiled a plan to invest in a network of memory clinics, improve support for people affected by the condition and launch major public awareness campaigns.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,
Peter Ashley, 73, from Warrington, who has dementia, says,
'Living well with dementia - a National Dementia Strategy' is a five year plan. It sets 17 objectives to transform the lives of the 570,000 people living with dementia in England under three themes: raising awareness and understanding; early diagnosis and support and living well with dementia.
Notes to editors:
• 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows dementia costs the UK £17 billion. This figure is predicted to treble in the next 30 years.
• 570,000 people have a form of dementia in England, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people in UK by 2051.
• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 Press Office: 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.ukk
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,
'Today's announcement sets out an ambitious national rescue plan to transform the lives of people living with dementia. One million people will develop dementia in the next ten years. This is a momentous opportunity to avert a dementia crisis that could overwhelm the NHS and social care.
'There is so much to do. Only a third of people with dementia get a formal diagnosis, denying them vital support. It is essential the strong leadership from the Department of Health continues so that these plans become a reality. Change won't happen overnight, but Alzheimer's Society will be working tirelessly to bring dementia out of the shadows.'
Peter Ashley, 73, from Warrington, who has dementia, says,
'When I first found out I had dementia with Lewy bodies I cried. Getting dressed in the morning became harder and life seemed to speed up around me, the worst thing was being pigeon holed into care that didn't suit me. I may have dementia but I still have my life.
'The National Dementia Strategy for England could change the way society looks at me and treats me. It is a chance for people with dementia and their carers to be put in the driving seat. I hope it will mean people with dementia will have a better quality of life, to be treated with respect throughout their lives and not regarded as second rate citizens.'
'Living well with dementia - a National Dementia Strategy' is a five year plan. It sets 17 objectives to transform the lives of the 570,000 people living with dementia in England under three themes: raising awareness and understanding; early diagnosis and support and living well with dementia.
Notes to editors:
• 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows dementia costs the UK £17 billion. This figure is predicted to treble in the next 30 years.
• 570,000 people have a form of dementia in England, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people in UK by 2051.
• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 Press Office: 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.ukk
