William Eichler 17 May 2022

Over 300,000 people living with undiagnosed dementia

Over 300,000 people living with undiagnosed dementia image
Image: LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com.

Improving early diagnosis for the hundreds of thousands of people with dementia could lead to over £3bn in savings through reduced healthcare usage and lower carer costs, report says.

The research programme Future Health has warned of a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to the diagnosis of dementia, a situation made worse by the pandemic.

The programme’s researchers calculate that over 300,000 people living with dementia in England go undiagnosed. They also estimate that the pandemic has seen a reduction in the proportion of patients receiving a diagnosis, with the number falling below 60%.

In their report, Levelling Up Dementia Diagnosis, Future Health called for an end to regional disparities when it comes to identifying the disease.

The Midlands is home to the highest number of undiagnosed people with dementia, with over 60,000 people with the condition not yet diagnosed, according to the report.

London and the North West have the lowest number of undiagnosed people living with dementia but both regions still have over 30,000 people undiagnosed.

Richard Sloggett, founder of Future Health and a former special advisor in the Department of Health and Social Care, said: ‘The pandemic has set back the progress made on dementia diagnosis rates and urgent action is now needed to support recovery.

‘The forthcoming dementia strategy must tackle regional disparities, particularly in how patient access to a diagnosis in rural areas can be improved. New targets, investment in diagnostics and technology along with a public health campaign can all help deliver a dementia diagnostic recovery that ensures patients get access to the treatment, care and support they deserve.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner