Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has marked Dementia Action Week and called for more to be done to tackle slow regional variations in dementia diagnosis.
Dementia Action Week is an annual initiative which runs from the 15 – 21 May. Each year, Alzheimer’s Society works with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage people to act on dementia.
On Thursday, Gwynne met with Alzheimer’s Society representatives in Parliament to discuss issues facing dementia care, both locally and across the country. Statistics show that someone develops dementia every three minutes, but just 63% of people with dementia receive a diagnosis.
In Denton and Reddish, the dementia diagnosis rate is currently just above 68%, above the national target. Gwynne has welcomed the data, but stated that ‘there is always more work to do’ in ensuring people receive a timely and accurate diagnosis.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“I’m very proud to be supporting Dementia Action Week. It’s so important that we not only raise awareness of dementia, but continue to emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and high-quality treatment.
“There were some really positive figures on dementia diagnoses in Dent
on and Reddish. While there is always more work to do, it’s positive that we’re ahead of the curve on this locally.
“If you want to get involved with the excellent work that Alzheimer’s Society are doing right across the country, do visit their website. We all need to work together to improve dementia care for everyone.”
James White, Head of National Influencing at Azheimer’s Society, added:
“We thank Andrew Gwynne MP for meeting with us, and showing his support this Dementia Action Week.
“The dementia diagnosis rate fell below the national ambition during the pandemic, and it has remained stagnant around 62% ever since. More than 30,000 people have missed out on a diagnosis, and therefore access to help and support, during this period. ”
“We believe it’s better to know – 9 in 10 people told us they benefitted from getting a diagnosis as it meant they could access treatment and advice and plan for the future.
“Government needs to take urgent action to level up the diagnosis rate across the country, and ensure that people with dementia are not slipping through the net.”
Pictured Below: Gwynne at the Alzheimer’s Society event in Parliament on Wednesday.
