QOF signals missed opportunity for dementia

This set of three targets will be piloted and could enter the QOF from 2014/15:

• The percentage of patients with dementia with the contact details of a named carer on their record.
• The practice has a register of patients who are carers of a person with dementia.
• The percentage of carers (of a person with dementia) who have had an assessment of their health and support needs in the preceding 12 months.
  

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'While we welcome targets for GPs to help them support carers, we are disappointed that encouraging the early diagnosis of dementia has been ignored. People can battle for years to get a formal diagnosis. Yet a diagnosis allows people to make sense of what is happening to them, gives vital access to services and reduces the costs of crisis care. GPs are the gatekeepers to making this happen. Not including an indicator to improve early diagnosis is a missed opportunity.'

'By 2021 there will be a million people living with dementia. It's crucial that the QOF is reformed to support GPs to improve diagnosis rates.'

Louise Lakey
Policy Manager
Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

• 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 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