NHS England’s Regional Medical Director for the South, has today called for improved diagnosis and support to combat what he calls “the isolation of dementia”.

Writing in a blog Nigel, who is also a Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, says that in 2015 “we will continue to see an increased number of people with dementia being assessed and having the diagnosis of dementia confirmed – this should help to stop the isolation felt by so many in the long December of 2014.”

His blogs comes as the Daily Express newspaper also reports today on “a new test to spot Alzheimer’s”.

The paper reports that experts are saying if all Britons over 50 take a free online test, it would help halve the risk of Alzheimer’s.

The 20 minute quiz – which is available from today – assesses a middle aged person’s chance of suffering from the brain condition and gives advice on how to stay healthy.

The newspaper reports how the questions have been developed with the help of one of Britain’s leading authorities on Alzheimer’s, Professor David Smith from Oxford University, and the charity Food For The Brain.

Professor Smith says he hopes the results of hundreds of thousands of people taking part will eventually provide vital information for a national prevention strategy.

• To read the full Daily Express story ‘Test to stop Alzheimer’s: Simple 20-minute quiz could be key to beating the disease’.
• Now read Nigel Acheson’s blog on preventing dementia patients, their families and carers from feeling isolated.
• Read more about how NHS England’s Dementia Ambassadors are tackling the issues with CCGs.