Alzheimer's Society On Lord Darzi's Next Stage Review Of The NHS, UK

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 01 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Lord Darzi's ambitious vision could have enormous benefits for people with dementia.

Creating 'polyclinics' could potentially give people greater access to memory services and the specialist support they require, perhaps removing the need for hospital visits and ensuring that people get access to an earlier and accurate diagnosis.

Speeding up evaluations of NHS treatments and giving people the universal right to approved treatments can only be positive. Changes must also ensure that that the wider benefits of treatments to society, particularly carers, are considered.

Delaying the onset of dementia by five years can halve the number of deaths. The proposed 'Reduce you Risk' campaign could help identify people at risk of dementia and greatly reduce the burden of dementia on society.

England's record on dementia care is damningly poor. Currently only a third of people ever receive a formal diagnosis and if they do they are then shunted between a health and social care system that fails to meet their needs. The NHS must wake up to its responsibility to care for this incredibly vulnerable group of our society.

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

About the Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.

The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website http://www.alzheimers.org.uk.

Alzheimer's Society