Influencing local government

Local authorities have a key role in developing the way that services are provided to people affected by dementia.  

They make vital decisions on how to allocate resources, and how those resources will support people living with dementia.

Why do we work with local government?

Dementia affects around 900,000 people across the UK. Within the next 20 years, this number will rise to 1.6 million people.

Local government plays a crucial role in ensuring people receive the support they need to live well with dementia. 

The national target for dementia diagnosis rates is 66.7%. As of January 2023, it was at 62%.

The Covid-19 pandemic, isolation and the temporary closure of support services resulted in many families struggling alone. And while many areas are back to pre-pandemic diagnosis rates, there is still more work to do. 

The introduction of Integrated Care Systems (ICS) across England in July 2022 has provided additional opportunities to demonstrate the need for joined up, personalised care and why dementia as a terminal disease needs to be included within ICS forward plans. 

Who do we work with?

As well as elected officials, we engage with local government officers, members of integrated care boards (ICBs) and integrated care partnerships (ICPs), and other local local partners delivering health and social care. 

Our overall aim is to influence policies that support people living with dementia, their family and friends.  

We also support individuals to share their experiences with decision-makers to improve the care and support they need to live well with dementia.  

By working with local government, we want to ensure everyone can:

• Access a timely diagnosis.
• Receive appropriate information and advice about local support services.
• Receive ongoing personalised support.

Resources for people working in local government 

• Alzheimer's Society interactive Local Dementia Statistics webpage.
• Policy reports and briefings including:
  • Improving access to a timely diagnosis, May 2023.
    Examines the barriers to getting a timely and accurate diagnosis identified by people living with dementia, researchers and clinicians and builds a consensus on recommendations to overcome them.
  • Left to Cope Alone: the unmet support needs after a dementia diagnosis, June 2022.
    Over 2,000 people affected by dementia contributed to this report which highlights the impacts of inconsistent care on both the individual and the local health and care system. A practical framework of recommendations is included. 
  • Increasing access to a dementia diagnosis, September 2021.
    Three reports were published, each focusing on separate barriers to diagnosis: i) reducing regional variation, ii) supporting those from an ethnic minority community; iii) increasing diagnosis for people residing in a care home or hospital setting.  
• The Dementia Experience toolkit provides professionals with information and resources relating to engaging with local people with lived experience, evaluating dementia services, and communicating outcomes. 
• Information and guidance about dementia-friendly communities.
• Find out about dementia support services in your local area.