Up to 27 million people living with undiagnosed dementia worldwide, says report

The World Alzheimer Report 2011, 'The benefits of early diagnosis and intervention', commissioned by Alzheimer's Disease International estimates that early diagnosis could create savings of up to US$10,000 (£6,254) per person. It suggests this could be achieved in various ways, including providing Alzheimer's drugs and support for carers earlier, delaying the need for people to go into hospitals or care homes. The report makes recommendations including every country having a national dementia strategy promoting early diagnosis, and to increase investment in research. This is the first comprehensive review of all worldwide evidence on early diagnosis and intervention for dementia.

Thousands of people will take to the streets this weekend to mark World Alzheimer's Day on Wednesday, 21 September. Alzheimer's Society Memory Walks will bring together celebrities and families around the country to walk in memory of loved ones.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'In the UK right now 60 per cent of people with dementia are struggling in the dark with no formal diagnosis. These people must be helped. Empowered with an early diagnosis, they can benefit from potential treatments and support which could vastly improve their quality of life.'

'Today's report must rouse us to take decisive action now and transform diagnosis rates everywhere. Alzheimer's Society urges people to visit their GP if they are worried about their memory, and is also working with GPs to increase awareness and understanding of dementia.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

Research Reference: The World Alzheimer Report 2011, 'The benefits of early diagnosis and intervention', Prince et al, available at alz.co.uk/worldreport2011

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Interviews with celebrities attending Alzheimer's Society Memory Walks are available on request. Alzheimer's Society celebrity supporters include Ruth Langsford, Fiona Phillips and Kevin Whately. A full list is available at alzheimers.org.uk/celebrities

Notes to editors:

• The World Alzheimer Report 2011 is being published ahead of the United Nations Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases, which is being held on 19 and 20 September in New York.
• The UK is one of only six countries to have published comprehensive national dementia strategies and plans (England - 2009, Scotland - 2010, Wales - 2011). However, Alzheimer's drugs were only made available on the NHS for people in the early to moderate stages of the disease in March 2011.
• 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 ten 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