Only 37 per cent of GPs say they have received adequate basic training on dementia

Alzheimer's Society carried out a survey of 382 GPs, which also found that 71 per cent wished to learn more about dementia online. 75 per cent of GPs said they specifically wanted to know more about the management of behavioural symptoms of dementia. The free programme includes sections on early diagnosis and non-drug treatments for behavioural symptoms such as hobbies, social interaction and music. It is available at learning.bmj.com and was developed by the charity and BMJ Learning, the medical education division of the BMJ Group.

The survey was part of an evaluation of Alzheimer's Society's 'Worried about your memory?' campaign, which encourages GPs to display its campaign leaflets prominently in an effort to increase diagnosis. The leaflets encourage anyone concerned about their memory to speak to their doctor and contact the charity.

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

'Currently, only 43 per cent of people with dementia get a formal diagnosis. This could be for several reasons including stigma and lack of awareness in the general public, as well as people not visiting their doctor. We need to support GPs as much as possible as they have a vital role to play in diagnosing and supporting people with the condition, which is why we are very excited to launch this online learning tool.'

'Alzheimer's Society is also on hand to signpost GPs to additional support in the assessment of people with memory problems, as well as the management of dementia. We also offer information about services and support to those who have received or are awaiting a diagnosis, and their families.'

Dr Kieran Walsh, Editor of BMJ Learning said:

'This initiative reflects our continuing commitment to helping doctors learn and develop the skills they need to provide high quality patient care. We welcome the partnership with Alzheimer's Society and we are confident that it will equip clinicians with the knowledge and skills to make the best treatment decisions for their patients, every time.'

Dr Alex Turnbull, a GP from Wigan, said:

'Having a diagnosis of dementia as early as possible is really important, allowing people to plan for the future as well as access support and potential treatments. But it is also vital that as GPs, we get the support and information we need to help people to the best of our ability. This online learning tool is a great new resource which should help empower GPs to achieve that.'

The survey, which was funded by Alzheimer's Society's partner Lilly, also found:

• When asked what the barriers to diagnosis were, 65 per cent of GPs said 'many people with dementia do not present to General Practice'. 66 per cent said 'the stigma attached to dementia'
• 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 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, please visit alzheimers.org.uk/primarycare

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Notes to editors:

• 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:
  

1.      struggle to remember recent events, although you can easily recall things that happened in the past
2.      find it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV
3.      forget the names of friends or everyday objects
4.      cannot recall things you have heard, seen or read
5.      notice that you repeat yourself or lose the thread of what you are saying
6.      have problems thinking and reasoning
7.      feel anxious, depressed or angry about your forgetfulness
8.      find that other people start to comment on your forgetfulness
9.      feel confused even when in a familiar environment.

About Alzheimer's Society:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• 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