Record Number of Britons Diagnosed With Dementia, NHS Figures Reveal
The NHS has met its target for diagnosing dementia in two-thirds of over-65s, but experts and charities urge for more ambitious goals and faster access to care.
A record number of people in England are being diagnosed with dementia, with over 523,000 individuals now formally identified with the condition. This marks the first time in six years that the National Health Service (NHS) has met its target of diagnosing two-thirds of individuals over 65 who exhibit symptoms.
Increased Diagnoses and NHS Target Met
The latest figures show 523,081 people in England have received a dementia diagnosis, an increase of 10,615 from the previous year's total of 512,466. The NHS last achieved its goal in March 2020, when diagnoses stood at 470,292, which is 11% lower than the current figure. Experts estimate that over a million people in the UK are living with dementia, with many currently undiagnosed.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Contributing Factors
Receiving an early diagnosis is considered crucial for accessing vital care and treatment that can help slow the progression of dementia symptoms. The rise in diagnoses is attributed to improved detection of warning signs, alongside a potential genuine increase in the prevalence of the disease. Factors such as an aging population, rising obesity rates, and a lack of exercise among Britons are believed to be contributing to the increase in dementia cases.
Defeating Dementia Campaign and Public Support
These statistics emerge amid the Daily Mail and Alzheimer's Society's joint 'Defeating Dementia' campaign, which aims to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis, support research, and improve care. The campaign highlights that dementia is Britain's biggest killer, claiming 76,000 lives annually.
Dr. Jeremy Isaacs, national clinical director for dementia at NHS England, described the achievement of the target as 'fantastic,' emphasizing that a diagnosis is the first step towards receiving care plans or medication reviews from the NHS. He noted that forgetfulness or absent-mindedness can sometimes be signs of an underlying issue.
Public sentiment, as indicated by survey data from the Alzheimer's Society, shows strong support for government action on dementia care. More than half of Britons consider dementia among the top three health priorities for the government over the next five years. Additionally, three-quarters of the public support a national maximum waiting time of 18 weeks for a dementia diagnosis.
Calls for More Ambitious Goals
Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, stated that the two-thirds target is insufficient and called for better outcomes for those affected by dementia. She highlighted the prolonged waiting times many face for answers and the subsequent delay in accessing support. With new treatments becoming available that are most effective in the early stages of the disease, the impact of delayed diagnosis is becoming more significant. Dyson urged the UK government to implement an 18-week maximum wait for diagnosis, including the initiation of care plans and treatment, and to invest in the necessary services and personnel.
Minister of State for Mental Health and Social Care Alison McGovern acknowledged that 'there is still a lot more to do,' stressing the need for improved treatments and social care to ensure individuals diagnosed with dementia can 'live well for longer.'