Alzheimer's Society report will recommend improvements to services for younger people with dementia in North East London

The report, to be published in January 2011, will be aimed at local health and community service commissioners. It will suggest how support could be more efficiently organised and delivered to ensure equitable services, tailored specifically to the needs of people under 65, across all local boroughs.

Julian Lloyd, Locality Manager at Alzheimer's Society, says:

'Currently across North East London there is a postcode lottery of support for younger people with dementia. Services need to be commissioned on a different geographical basis, rather than borough by borough, to ensure people get the vital support they need.'

'The ideas from the forum will inform our report, which will make realistic and achievable recommendations about how services should be commissioned and delivered in the future. We want everyone in the area to have equal access to high quality services, no matter where they live.'

Jo Cass cares for her husband David, who has Alzheimer's disease. Jo told her story at the forum. She says:

'This is an important issue because the number of people with dementia under 65 is growing all the time. As a carer, I have first hand experience of the difficulties in getting a diagnosis, the lack of appropriate services and the lack of communication between different services, which only adds to our difficulties.'

Maggie Owolade, Alzheimer's Society Area Manager for London, says:

'This was a fantastic initiative, and we hope to roll out similar events across the rest of London in the next year.'

The forum was hosted in Canary Wharf by Credit Suisse, which supports Alzheimer's Society through its 2010 Charity of the Year programme. The aim of the forum was to bring together interested parties in the community and influential decision makers to change the way younger people with dementia are supported and cared for. The forum was made up of younger people with dementia, carers, other voluntary organisations, service providers and commissioners. The group discussed existing services in the area and came up with action plans to improve all types of support including diagnosis, care in the community, and end of life care.

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Notes to editors:

• There are over 1,500 people with dementia under the age of 65 in London, and over 300 live in the North East of the city. Actual figures are likely to be up to three times higher
• Younger people with dementia have very different needs to those over 65 - they may still be working, have a mortgage to pay or have a young family to support. Standard services for people with dementia are often very unsuitable for them as they are designed to suit those of a much older generation
• 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