Alzheimer’s Society Memory Campaign Boosts Dementia Diagnosis
Published 7 April 2009
A campaign encouraging people who are worried about their memory to visit their GPs is changing lives dramatically according to new Alzheimer’s Society research.
The Worried About Your Memory? campaign saw materials distributed in GP surgeries across the country in 2008. It sought to address the huge under-diagnosis of dementia. Previous research shows up to two thirds of people never receive a diagnosis. A new survey from Alzheimer's Society shows that up to half of the respondents who requested the Worried About Your Memory? booklet went on to visit their GP.
Dementia affects 700,000 people in the UK. In spite of this, there is still widespread lack of awareness about its symptoms. Memory problems can be an early sign of dementia but may be difficult to talk about due to the associated stigma. Nearly 40% of respondents who requested the Worried About Your Memory? booklet said that they sought help earlier than they would have done and 1 in 5 received a diagnosis as a result of taking action. In addition, 1 in 7 GPs have noticed more people asking about memory problems since the launch of the campaign.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,
Sue (53) and Barry (64) Martinelli, a couple from Lincolnshire, had been worried about Barry's memory problems for several years. After reading the information in the Worried About Your Memory? leaflet and booklet they approached their GP, who referred Barry to a specialist. Barry has now been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Sue says,
Notes to editors:
Although memory problems are common and factors such as age, tiredness, stress, depression and some physical illnesses can affect it, Alzheimer's Society is encouraging people to seek advice and help if the following occur:
Dementia affects 700,000 people in the UK. In spite of this, there is still widespread lack of awareness about its symptoms. Memory problems can be an early sign of dementia but may be difficult to talk about due to the associated stigma. Nearly 40% of respondents who requested the Worried About Your Memory? booklet said that they sought help earlier than they would have done and 1 in 5 received a diagnosis as a result of taking action. In addition, 1 in 7 GPs have noticed more people asking about memory problems since the launch of the campaign.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,
'Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives. Raising awareness and improving diagnosis were both highlighted as key areas in the government's recently launched National Dementia Strategy for England and rightly so.Care Services Minister Phil Hope says,
Everyone is a little bit forgetful now and again but when memory loss starts to interfere with daily life it is critical that people get this checked out. The fact that the Worried About Your Memory? campaign is making an impact is hugely encouraging and shows how providing information can help change lives.'
'The success of the Worried About Your Memory? campaign is a step forward in making sure people are better informed about dementia. It is also helping to tackle the stigma associated with the disease, so more people feel they can come forward for earlier diagnosis. But there's lots more to do. I want to see more national and local information made available and our work on the National Dementia Strategy will help make that happen.'
Sue (53) and Barry (64) Martinelli, a couple from Lincolnshire, had been worried about Barry's memory problems for several years. After reading the information in the Worried About Your Memory? leaflet and booklet they approached their GP, who referred Barry to a specialist. Barry has now been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Sue says,
'We both knew something wasn't right, but we didn't want to talk about it as neither of us wanted to worry the other. The leaflet prompted us to visit our doctor and talk about our worries.ENDS
Going to see the doctor was a big step, but the first step is the biggest. After Barry had undergone tests and we were told he had Alzheimer's disease, we both felt a huge sense of relief that we knew what we were facing. We were told to get on and enjoy our life - which we can do now we know what's wrong.'
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
Although memory problems are common and factors such as age, tiredness, stress, depression and some physical illnesses can affect it, Alzheimer's Society is encouraging people to seek advice and help if the following occur:
- It's a struggle to remember recent events, although it's easy to recall things that happened in the past
- It's hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV
- Regularly forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects
- Inability to recall things heard, seen or read
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Repeat themselves in conversation or lose the thread of what they are saying
- Have problems thinking and reasoning
- Feel anxious and depressed or angry about their forgetfulness
- Find that other people start to comment on their forgetfulness
- The Worried About Your Memory? campaign was rolled out across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in May 2008 (following a previous pilot).
- 42,550 GPs received a dementia CD Rom and 10,752 GP surgeries received 50 leaflets, a poster and a dispenser. Further leaflets have been sent each quarter.
- To date 12,000 people have requested further information, 50,000 booklets have been downloaded from the website and 1,800 enquiries have been made to Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline.
- The Worried About Your Memory? campaign has also been rolled-out through pharmacies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from January to June 2009
- Alzheimer's Society conducted research in January 2009 to evaluate the success of the Worried About Your Memory? campaign. Surveys were sent to GP surgeries that received the Worried About Your Memory? materials and members of the public who have requested the Worried About Your Memory? booklet. 1,817 GPs and 524 members of the public responded to the survey.
- The Worried About Your Memory? campaign is supported by funding from the Department of Health in England
- The Worried About Your Memory? campaign is supported by funding from Eisai Limited, Novartis Limited, Pfizer Limited and Shire Pharmaceuticals Limited in Wales and Northern Ireland.
