Early diagnosis for people with dementia can reduce costs

The project was led by the Geriatric Research Education and Clinic Centre at the Minneapolis Veterans Medical Center. Seven medical centres took part in the project, which was created to increase detection, diagnosis of dementia and provide support for these people following their diagnosis. The researchers compared costs for 347 people who took part in the project with 1260 who did not.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'An early diagnosis is hugely important as it enables people with dementia to understand their condition, access treatments that could help relieve their symptoms and gives them time to plan for the future. Support following the diagnosis is also vital if people with dementia and their carers are to have the best quality of life possible.'

'In this difficult economic climate getting better at supporting people earlier can avoid costly hospital visits and can help carers carry on caring for people at home delaying or avoiding residential care. With the number of people with dementia set to reach a million in 15 years, these costs will only spiral yet with proper planning and better use of resources the cost can be contained.'

Ruth Sutherland
Acting Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

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Ref: John R. McCarten, et al. Changes In Outpatient Costs Following Screening And Diagnosis Of Cognitive Impairment.

Notes to editors:

• Spokespeople and case studies are available on request. Please contact the Press Office, 0207 423 3595.
• ICAD is the world's leading forum on dementia research. Run by Alzheimer's Association, it will this year be taking place in Hawaii from Sunday 11 July to Thursday 15 July.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
  
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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 or visit alzheimers.org.uk