It is estimated that approximately 800,000 people in the UK are currently living with some form of dementia. That figure is set to increase as medical technology advances and the aging population increases, many of whom are living with multiple co-morbidities. Diagnosis rates for dementia vary across the country, however data from the Dementia Prevalence Calculator v 3 indicates that only about 50 per cent of people with dementia have a diagnosis. The absence of a formal diagnosis denies patients access to any supportive services which may be available.

What are we trying to achieve:

• deliver timely dementia diagnosis and meet the 67 per cent diagnosis rate as envisioned in the Prime Minister’s Challenge (2012)
• provide signposting information and appropriate post diagnostic support for patients and carers
• develop the Care Navigator role to support post diagnostic services
• ensure a standardised and transferable programme of education and training for all staff working with patients with dementia, whilst raising awareness of dementia with the general public

View our priorities.