Dementia
Approximately 13,580 people are currently living with dementia in Suffolk. By 2030, it is estimated that this figure will rise to 18,770, an increase of 42.5%.
As I know personally, dementia can be an incredibly distressing illness for those suffering with the condition and their families, so it is vital that diagnosis for dementia happens as soon as possible in order to provide people with the right support and allow them to plan for the future.
The government provided £17 million to diagnostic services in the last financial year (2021-22), however diagnosis rates only increased by 0.1% during this period. This shows the need for revised thinking on how we plan to address dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society suggests that an estimated 38% of people living with dementia in England are yet to receive a diagnosis. The NHS has a target diagnosis rate of 66.7%, which was met consistently up until the pandemic. It is crucial that we fix the diagnosis backlog and get back to the target diagnosis level as soon as possible.
I was proud to stand on a manifesto that identified finding a cure for dementia as one of the Government's key priorities, which has been reflected in the development of the 10-Year Plan for Dementia. But I know we need to push harder.
The 10-Year Plan will include proposals to increase research funding for dementia. It will focus on the specific health needs of people with dementia and their carers covering prevention, diagnosis and research. It will also look at how new technology can be used to improve outcomes for dementia patients. This will involve exploring ways of building on the Government’s £375 million investment to improve understanding and treatment for a range of neurodegenerative diseases, including different types of dementia. While I welcome this national investment, it is vital that we take a holistic approach, working across the NHS and with the charitable sector to boost research, diagnosis and the application of care.
The work of charitable organisations is invaluable in addressing some of the challenges around dementia. In our constituency, we are really fortunate to have Gatehouse, a charity that provide services to help vulnerable people, including those suffering with dementia. Their dementia hub raises awareness of the challenges of dementia and provides practical help and support for families and individuals.
As a former Health Minister, I understand that in order to deliver on our manifesto commitment, we need to be serious about boosting the number of skilled health professionals, such as dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, and I hope to see this recognised in the 10-Year Plan for Dementia.
While we wait to learn more on the detail in the 10-Year Plan, I will continue to lobby government to provide the Bury St Edmunds constituency with the funding we require to address the diagnosis backlog and improve our dementia services.
To speak to a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse: Tel: 020 8036 5400 | E-mail: [email protected]
