65 per cent of GPs say people with dementia don't get diagnosed because they don't visit their doctor

The survey of 382 GPs provides new insight into why diagnosis rates for dementia continue to be so low. Currently, just 43 per cent of people with the condition in the UK are diagnosed.

As part of its 'Worried about your memory?' campaign, Alzheimer's Society is calling for anyone who is concerned about memory loss to speak to their doctor and contact the charity for further information. The charity is also encouraging GPs to display its 'Worried about your memory?' leaflets prominently in surgeries. This is the fifth year that Alzheimer's Society has sent the leaflets to 10,000 GP practices in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Last year, more than 100,000 people contacted the charity directly as a result of the campaign.

The survey is published a month after David Cameron committed to the first ever Prime Minister's challenge on dementia, pledging to help drive up diagnosis rates. Currently diagnosis rates vary a great deal across the nations, ranging from 70 per cent in Belfast to 27 per cent in Dorset.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said:

'This survey gives us vital clues into why thousands of people with dementia are still struggling without a formal diagnosis. We all forget things now and again but if memory loss is starting to interfere with your daily life, it's really important not to just ignore it. If someone does have dementia, then it is best to know as soon as possible. They can then access potential treatments, support and plan for the future, along with their family.'

'People not going to their GP is likely to be only part of the picture. To drive up diagnosis rates, we also need to tackle stigma, raise awareness of possible treatments and support, and ensure GPs are better geared up to support people.'

Alzheimer's Society supporter and TV health expert, Dr Hilary Jones, said:

'From a GP's point of view, we need people to come and talk to us if they are regularly forgetting things, or if someone they love is. Only then can we support people through the process of finding out why this is happening. It can seem scary talking about memory problems, but people with dementia often tell us diagnosis is actually a relief, and means they can start taking control and making decisions.'

Jill Batty's husband Dominic was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2003 when he was 74 years old. Jill, 66 from London, said:

'In my experience, an early diagnosis makes such a difference to the quality of life of the person with dementia and their loved ones. Because Dominic was diagnosed early on, he was able to fully benefit from treatments and support. I think the best thing to do if you are concerned about your memory is to take that first step of talking to your GP.'

The survey also found:

• 88 per cent of GPs agreed there were benefits to an early diagnosis of dementia

• Those GPs that agreed there were benefits to an early diagnosis said these benefits included:
• Giving you 'time to plan for the future' (84 per cent)
• 'Access to treatments' (78 per cent)
• 'Helping to improve quality of life' (74 per cent)
• 'Access to care pathways' (69 per cent)
  

For more information and to download the 'Worried about your memory?' leaflet, people can visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryworry

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Notes to editors

• The survey of GPs was funded by Alzheimer's Society's corporate partner, Lilly
• The 'Worried about your memory?' campaign was launched in 2008. This will be the fifth year that Alzheimer's Society has sent materials to 10,000 GP practices in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Last year, more than 100,000 people contacted Alzheimer's Society directly as a result of the campaign. Of those who requested further information, two thirds went on to seek professional help earlier than they would have otherwise.
  

Facts about dementia:

• Dementia is not a single illness but a group of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. The symptoms include loss of memory, mood changes and confusion.

• Dementia affects everyone in different ways, but you should seek help without delay if your memory is not as good as it used to be and especially if you:
• struggle to remember recent events, although you can easily recall things that happened in the past
• find it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV
• forget the names of friends or everyday objects
• cannot recall things you have heard, seen or read
• notice that you repeat yourself or lose the thread of what you are saying
• have problems thinking and reasoning
• feel anxious, depressed or angry about your forgetfulness
• find that other people start to comment on your forgetfulness
• feel confused even when in a familiar environment
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia

About Alzheimer's Society:

• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 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