Hope for thousands as vision for dementia launched in Wales

The document outlines a roadmap to transform the care of thousands of people with dementia and carers in Wales.

Dementia Vision for Wales will be backed by £1 million each year to fund training of the dementia care workforce, patient information packs and new roles in dementia within local health boards.

The vision is recognition that the number of people with dementia will double over the next thirty years, and the cost of care and treatment is likely to triple. There are currently 37, 000 people with dementia in Wales and this number will rise to almost 48, 000 in the next ten years. Alzheimer's Society welcomes the vision and will work together with the Welsh Assembly Government to achieve change.

Launching the partnership, Ian Thomas, Director of Services for Alzheimer's Society says;

'Today's announcement sets out an ambitious plan to transform the lives of people living with dementia in Wales. This is a momentous opportunity to avert a dementia crisis that threatens to overwhelm our health and social care services.'

'There is so much to do. Only a third of people with dementia get a formal diagnosis, denying them vital support. It is essential the strong leadership from the Welsh Assembly Government continues so that these plans become a reality. Change won't happen overnight, but Alzheimer's Society will be working tirelessly to bring dementia out of the shadows.'

Notes to editors:

• 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