Ellie Ames 06 December 2023

Report uncovers ‘alarming’ undiagnosed dementia rates

Report uncovers ‘alarming’ undiagnosed dementia rates image
Image: pikselstock / Shutterstock.com

A commission has said integrated care systems must drive ‘radical change’ after finding that almost two in five dementia sufferers in England are undiagnosed.

A new report by the Dementia Commission says the ‘diagnosis deficit’ has grown by 8.3% since 2019, with 36% of people with dementia in England currently undiagnosed.

In the worst affected local authorities, half of people living with dementia have received no diagnosis. 

The co-chair of the Dementia Commission, Lord James O’Shaughnessy, said: ‘This is a critical juncture for our healthcare system.

‘The unrelenting rise in undiagnosed cases demands a paradigm shift in our approach to dementia care.’

The commission said integrated care systems (ICSs), with their mandate to bring together local authorities, the NHS, and other partners to meet local health needs, are best placed to drive the ‘radical change’ that is needed.

Commissioners said dementia care should be a priority for ICSs, with clear accountability and measurable objectives and a named dementia lead.

They stressed that ‘strong leadership’ from the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England is required to drive change.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Strategic Director – Place-Based Services

Stevenage Borough Council
£Competitive
Stevenage is a town with bold ambitions. Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stevenage Borough Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
Make the change, be the difference to our children, our future. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Assist Response Officer

Mansfield District Council
£16,055.87 - £17,113.37 per annum (for 22.5 hours per week)
Mansfield District Council are looking for a dedicated individual to join our award winning ASSIST support scheme. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Town Centre Operative

Mansfield District Council
£25,583 - £25,989 per annum
Working in local government is a rewarding experience Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Resettlement Officer

Ashfield District Council
£28,598 - £31,022 per annum
Would you like to work in our Housing Options Team helping people to settle in the local community? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner