More dementia cases diagnosed in Newham
More people are being diagnosed with dementia in Newham, allowing them to receive specialist care that much quicker, acording to figures just released.
Statistics from the Alzheimers Society show there was an increase of 3.8 per cent in the number of people in the borough diagnosed with dementia in the year from 2010-2011.
In 2010, 57.6 per cent of people with dementia,1404, were diagnosed. In 2011 that figure went up to 61.4 per cent of 1410.
Studies also show that early diagnosis can save the taxpayer thousands of pounds, because it can delay someone needing care outside of their own home.
Caroline Gilmartin, associate director for procurement and contract performance at NHS East London and the City said: “Dementia can be a disorientating and confusing disease for sufferns and difficult for friends and families as their loved one progresses through the disease. Although dementia cannot be reversed early diagnosis of dementia can help people with the disease and their families have a better quality of life for longer.
“Many people with dementia are now assessed early, diagnosed and then receive specialist support at home, rather than having to go to hospital. We want to continue to develop more modern and efficient services for people with dementia.”
Maggie Owolade, Alzheimer’s Society London Area Manager, said: “It’s very encouraging to see that dementia diagnosis rates in Newham have improved over the past year. However, there’s a long way to go. Hundreds of people in the borough are still living without a proper diagnosis, meaning they aren’t receiving any of the support or medical treatments which can make a real difference.
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“Everyone is a little bit forgetful now and again, but when memory loss starts to interfere with your daily life it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible. The sooner people are diagnosed, the sooner they can get support and start planning for the future.”
People who are worried about their memory can contact Alzheimer’s Society on 0845 300 0336.
Alzheimer’s Society and Tesco are currently touring the UK to raise awareness of dementia.For more information, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/roadshow.
