Alzheimer's Society comment on Department of Health announcement on national strategy for dementia

'For too long dementia has been at the bottom of health and social care pile. This announcement by our new government represents a real step forward in policy towards dementia.

Dementia is the health and social care challenge of the century. This is an exciting opportunity to make sure the knowledge and expertise we now have about dementia care and treatment makes a difference to the lives of thousands of people throughout England.

There is a huge task ahead. Currently, 600,000 people have dementia in England yet more than half of these will never receive a formal diagnosis and families are often left to cope alone until they reach crisis point. In less than twenty years over a million people will have dementia, we look forward to working with the government to ensure people now and in the future receive the care and support they deserve.'

Neil Hunt
Chief executive, Alzheimer's Society

Department of Health article on the announcement

Notes for editors

• Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that causes a person's ability to remember, understand, communicate and reason to decline. It is the most common form of dementia.
• 1 in 3 older people will end their life 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. 1 in 5 people over 80 have dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.