Early dementia detection drive

Monday November 7th, 2011

A new drive to identify people with dementia was announced today in the UK amid claims that 60 per cent of cases remain undiagnosed.

The government says the progress of dementia can be slowed with modern treatments - and it is worth trying to spot it early.

It is urging people who visit relatives at Christmas to watch for signs of mental decay.

Some two million pounds is being spent on the campaign on television, radio and in print.

Professor Alistair Burns, the national clinical director for dementia, said: “Getting a timely diagnosis of dementia is vital and we know that those who do receive one don’t regret it. On the contrary, knowing about their condition helps them gain control and allows them and their families to seek the services and support they need.

“Timely early diagnosis and supportive interventions allow people to plan for the future while they still can.

"They have been shown to reduce care home admissions and improve the quality, not only of the life of the person with dementia, but also their family, carers and friends."

The chair of the Royal College of GPs, Dr Clare Gerada, backed the campaign.

But she warned: "Many patients experience lapses in memory which can be perfectly natural as one gets older, and are not necessarily signs of anything more serious.

“GPs need to have access to a wide range of services and resources such as memory clinics so that they can properly support people beyond diagnosis and help them live healthy, independent and productive lives for as long as possible.

"Management works best with teams working together – supported by experts and generalists from the voluntary, hospital and community sectors."

Tags: Brain & Neurology | Mental Health | NHS | UK News

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