Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has given an undertaking that Britain will become the most dementia-friendly country in the world by the end of the decade.
Mr Hunt said that the Government was determined to improve diagnosis of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, as well as raising awareness of the illness and pushing for more research into developing effective treatments.
Under proposals, everyone over the age of 40 will be given information about dementia and memory problems if they attend a free health check-up with their GP.
It is hoped that this approach will improve understanding of a condition which is often misunderstood.
Mr Hunt said: “A dementia diagnosis can bring fear and heartache, but I want Britain to be the best place in the world to live well with dementia.
“Last Parliament we made massive strides on diagnosis rates and research – the global race is now on to find a cure for dementia and I want the UK to win it.
“This Parliament I want us to make big progress on the quality of care and treatment.
“Hospitals can be frightening and confusing places for people with dementia, so our new plan will guarantee them safer seven-day hospital care, as well as tackling unacceptable variations in quality across England through transparent Ofsted-style ratings.”
Alzheimer’s charities have previously warned that Britain’s ageing population could generate a public health crisis, with a growing number of people developing dementia in later life.
But how best to respond to the problem is the subject of some debate. A previous initiative, which effectively rewarded GPs for every diagnosis, came in for significant criticism and there have also been concerns about the dangers of unduly worrying the public.
At EnViva Care, our experienced staff can provide managed care in the home for individuals with conditions including dementia. For more information about the services we provide, please contact us
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