A new Government pilot campaign is being launched today (4 March 2011) in the North West aimed at increasing early diagnosis of dementia. It encourages people to recognise the signs and symptoms of the condition and urges them to seek advice from their GP if they are worried.
Latest figures show that in Blackburn with Darwen, there is an estimated 1,262 people with dementia and of those people approximately 564 remain undiagnosed and are missing out on access to the right treatment and support to help them live well. In the North West, there is an estimated 82,661 people with dementia and of those people approximately 46,709 remain undiagnosed.
In Blackburn with Darwen the figure of people living with dementia is expected to rise to an estimated 1,570
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people in 2021. New statistics also show that in England 80 per cent agree that the earlier dementia is diagnosed the easier it is to help treat the symptoms; however 52 per cent of people agree they do not know enough about dementia to be able to help somebody. 2
An early dementia diagnosis is crucial to enable people to get the right support and treatment needed and can improve a person’s quality of life, helping to maintain independence for longer. Fortunately, the signs and symptoms of dementia can be spotted early and include;
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struggling to remember recent events, although a person can easily recall things that happened in the past
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finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV
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forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects
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difficulty recalling things that have been heard, seen or read
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a person repeating things or losing the thread of what they are saying
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problems with thinking and reasoning
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feeling anxious, depressed or angry about memory loss
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finding that other people start to comment on a person’s memory loss
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feeling confused even when in a familiar environment
Dr Mike Cheshire, Medical Director of NHS North West, added; “Research has shown that people don’t know enough about dementia to be able to help – recognising the signs and symptoms, talking about it and seeking advice are the crucial steps to receiving a diagnosis. For example if a loved one is struggling to remember recent events, but can easily recall things that happened in the past, this could be one of the signs of dementia. We have local specialist services to support people living with dementia and their carers, and I would urge people who are worried about dementia symptoms to seek advice from their GP.”
Care Services Minister Paul Burstow, said: “People are afraid of dementia and rather than face the possibility someone they love has the condition, they can wrongly put memory problems down to ‘senior moments’. But if you are worried, the sooner you discuss it and help the person seek support the better. Don’t wait until a crisis forces your hand. Being diagnosed with dementia won’t make the condition worse but leaving it untreated will. We can’t cure dementia, but we can help you keep the person you love for longer.”
While having a discussion with a loved one about dementia can be difficult, the earlier that a person receives a diagnosis, the sooner treatment and support can be provided to help them. It can also be a relief when a person receives a dementia diagnosis, as they are able to understand what the problem is and can be reassured that help and support is available. Medication can also be provided which helps delay the progression of the illness.
The pilot campaign is being supported by the Alzheimer’s Society and Margaret Irving, Alzheimer’s Society Area manager for the North West adds; “A diagnosis of dementia is not just a label. It is vital to help people access support, get treatment and make sense of what is happening to them. People with dementia and their families often tell us that they were fearful of a diagnosis but that it gave them certainty and the ability to begin understanding what they can do to live well with dementia. But the big question is, how much do you really know about dementia? As dementia increases, we all need to take the time to understand and talk about dementia as families and as a society. Alzheimer’s Society is a good place to start, or talk to your GP if you are worried about your memory. ”
Early diagnosis is key to helping people with dementia live a good quality of life, but fewer than 40 per cent of people in England ever receive a formal diagnosis. Early diagnosis enables people to access advice, information and support from social services, voluntary agencies and support groups, improves access to correct medication and allows them to plan and make arrangements for the future.
Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia, said:
“This pilot campaign demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improving the lives of those with dementia. It is important people are aware of the signs and symptoms of dementia and seek advice; early diagnosis will ensure people get the care and treatment needed to live well with dementia. If you are worried that you, a member of your family, or a loved one is showing the early signs of dementia, you should encourage them to see their GP to discuss any concerns. There can be a variety of reasons for memory loss and behaviour changes, but if it is dementia, it’s vital to get the right support as early as possible.”
The early signs and symptoms campaign is being piloted in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber, from 4 March to 3 April 2011 and will incorporate TV, radio and press advertising, PR and partnership working.
For further information about the signs and symptoms of dementia, please visit www.nhs.uk/dementia
