MPs and peers launch inquiry into dementia diagnosis rates

In light of the new NHS data, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dementia is launching an inquiry into how to improve diagnosis rates.

The cross-party group of MPs and peers will aim to uncover why diagnosis might not be happening, why diagnosis rates differ around the country, the financial benefits of an early diagnosis and what is needed to support people following a diagnosis.

A survey carried out by Alzheimer's Society ahead of the inquiry launch found that one in five GPs do not feel well informed about the treatment and care available to patients with dementia. This placed dementia fourth out of five conditions which GPs were asked to say how well informed they felt. It ranked below asthma, diabetes and breast cancer but ahead of multiple sclerosis. GPs in London and Wales were more likely to not feel well informed than other parts of the UK (28 per cent and 29 per cent respectively).

Research by the Department of Health, ahead of their current dementia awareness campaign, also found that only around a third of adults aged over 40 understand the differences between normal signs of ageing and signs of dementia.

Baroness Sally Greengross, chairperson of the APPG, said:

'Almost 60 per cent of people with dementia are struggling in the dark without a diagnosis. Because their condition has not been recognised they are being denied vital support, information and possible treatments. This can't carry on. We need to find out why this is happening and open the door to a better life for people with dementia across the UK.'

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society which provides the secretariat for the APPG, said:

'Although diagnosis rates are increasing, the stark reality is that they are not improving fast enough. Only by working out the reasons for these unacceptably low levels can we start to make a difference. Early diagnosis and early support not only helps a person live better day to day but also stops them reaching crisis point. This brings the additional benefit of saving the NHS and social care system many millions of pounds a year.'

The inquiry is now inviting key groups including commissioners of health and social care, GPs, health and social care staff and people with dementia and their families to share their experiences of dementia diagnosis in all countries in the UK. To have your say, visit alzheimers.org.uk/APPG.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

• For more information about the APPG visit alzheimers.org.uk
• The APPG on Dementia is an informal parliamentary group made up of more than 70 MPs and Peers with an interest in dementia. Alzheimer's Society    provides administrative support and expert advice to the Group
• 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
  
• Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk