Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies met with people affected by dementia, experts from Alzheimer’s Society and clinicians at the charity’s Parliamentary reception last week to find out more about the barriers people face in getting a dementia diagnosis.
In what was Dementia Action Week (16-22 May), James also met with Laurence Geller, Chairman of Loveday & Co, the UK’s leading provider of specialist dementia care homes, who is pursuing the idea of a 'Geller Commission', which would aim to research the social and economic cost of dementia in the UK and potentially aid the work of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
James, who is Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the DHSC, offered to bring Mr Geller’s proposals to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and set up a meeting to discuss them.
There is estimated to be over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK of which 1,113 live in the Vale of Clwyd, accounting for 1.56% of the constituency.
However, with diagnosis rates currently at a five-year low after the pandemic, Alzheimer’s Society believes there are tens of thousands of people now living with undiagnosed dementia. This means they don’t have access to the vital care and support that a diagnosis can bring.
James, a former clinical champion for dementia, said:
“New research from Alzheimer’s Society shows some people don’t seek a diagnosis because they think memory loss is just part of getting old, don’t recognise the signs of dementia, or are in denial about their symptoms. 1 people in 4 have battled dementia symptoms for over two years before getting a diagnosis.
“Though the thought of diagnosis can be daunting, over 9 in 10 people with dementia say they benefitted from getting a diagnosis, for example by helping them come to terms with it or plan for the future.
“I have pledged to support Alzheimer’s Society in their drive to make the recovery of dementia diagnosis rates a priority. Anyone worried that they or a loved one may have dementia, should contact Alzheimer’s Society for advice and support.”
James White, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“We thank James for meeting with us, and showing his support this Dementia Action Week.
“Asking the same question over and over again is not called getting old, it’s called getting ill.
“National diagnosis rates are currently at a five-year low so it is so important that we do everything we can to get people diagnosed so they can get treatment and support. We have launched new resources to arm people with all the information they need when speaking with their GP, which includes online support and advice and a new symptoms checklist which can be printed and taken to the doctor to help both patients and clinicians have an easier diagnosis experience.”
For further information and advice visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss or call Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456 [0330 094 7400 Welsh-speaking number] For callers who do not have English as their language of choice, Alzheimer’s Society can arrange a simultaneous language translation service.
