Diagnosis failure for dementia sufferers

Figures from the Alzheimer’s Society reveal just over 300,000 people are undiagnosed at the moment but this is set to nearly almost double over the next decade.

Overall, the number of people with dementia is increasing as people live longer lives. More than a million people are expected to have the condition by 2021.

If nothing is done to improve diagnosis rates, which currently stand at 40 per cent, some 595,725 will be undiagnosed, according to the charity, which has published a map on variations in diagnosis.

Dorset has the lowest rates of diagnosis in the UK with only a quarter (26 per cent) of those with the condition knowing they have it, rising to 69 per cent in Belfast.

If diagnosis rates stay the same, Milton Keynes will have the biggest gap between people expected to be living with dementia and those who receive a diagnosis.

It is the fastest growing area and can expect a 56 per cent increase in people living with the condition, the map also shows.

The map is based on prevalence rates for dementia from experts at King’s College London, which have been updated by the charity, alongside information held by GPs.

The Alzheimer’s Society has teamed up with Tesco to raise funds to improve diagnosis.

Fiona Phillips, ambassador for the charity, whose mother died with Alzheimer’s and whose father has the condition, said: “It’s shocking that so many people are struggling to cope with this devastating illness all on their own.

“If we don’t raise awareness of dementia, in 10 years time, more than half a million people will be unable to give their symptoms a name and have no access to the help they so desperately need and deserve.”

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “It is a great injustice that so many living with dementia never receive a formal diagnosis.

“Receiving a diagnosis can help families plan for the future and access support services to help maintain quality of life.”