MPs hear evidence as lack of dementia training revealed

The new statistics are being released today (17 March 2009) as MPs begin hearing evidence into the skills of the dementia workforce.

An All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dementia is holding oral evidence sessions as it investigates whether social care staff are being equipped with the right dementia skills.

Jeremy Wright, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia says;

'These figures confirm the importance of today's inquiry. Everyone has the right to know they are entrusting people they love into good quality care. Sadly this is not always the reality. Today's inquiry is an important step towards making sure millions of people with dementia receive a high quality of care. 'As the number of people living with dementia reaches more than a million in the next 15 years we must ensure the care sector is equipped to provide quality dementia care. We will be looking at all evidence and bringing forward recommendations in the summer.'

Ends

Notes to editors:

All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia

• The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia (APPG) raises awareness dementia amongst parliamentarians and aims to influence legislation and policy making to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
• Published in April 2008 the APPG on Dementia report, 'Always a last resort' found that up to 105,000 people with dementia are given the drugs inappropriately.
• For a copy of full terms of reference of the inquiry and information about submitting evidence please click here, email appg@alzheimers.org.uk, telephone 020 7423 3585.
• Alzheimer's Society is secretariat to the group and provides administrative support and expert advice.

About the Alzheimer's Society

• 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, 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 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 For further information please contact Press Office: 0207 423 3595 press@alzheimers.org.uk