- Health chiefs have set a target of diagnosing two-thirds of people aged 65 and over.
Tens of thousands more patients are being diagnosed with dementia every month after the NHS sent teams of specialists to care homes to assess residents.
Experts identified 475,573 patients with the condition in September, more than 52,000 more compared to the same period last year, with rates now at their highest level in three years.
Health chiefs have set a target of diagnosing two-thirds of people aged 65 and over with dementia in the next 12 months. The current rate is 64.3 percent, according to the latest figures.
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said she is committed to continuing the diagnostics campaign so more patients can get the help they urgently need.
Trials earlier this year showed the new drug donanemab can slow the early progression of Alzheimer’s by up to 60 percent in a breakthrough hailed as a “game-changer” in the fight against the disease.
Health officials have set the goal of diagnosing two-thirds of people over 65 years of age with dementia in the next 12 months.
NHS England launched a pilot scheme last December to boost diagnosis rates with specialist nurses going into care homes to assess older people who may have missed checks during the pandemic.
The program has led to the North West and North East of England surpassing the national diagnosis target by 69.1 per cent and 66.9 per cent respectively, their highest levels since before the pandemic.
Speaking yesterday at the annual NHS provider conference, a networking event held in Liverpool, Ms Pritchard said: “A diagnosis of dementia can be incredibly daunting for people and their families, but an early diagnosis can ensure that get the support they need as quickly as possible. .
“We will continue our efforts and I am determined that next year we will achieve our ambition of diagnosing two-thirds of people.”
NHS guidelines encourage anyone concerned about signs of dementia or a loved one to contact their GP for an assessment.
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said she is committed to continuing the diagnostics campaign so more patients can get the help they urgently need.
Earlier this year, health chiefs set up a national task force to prepare for the possible arrival of new Alzheimer’s treatments, if they are approved by regulators.
The NHS Long Term Plan also pledged to offer better support to people with dementia through more community programs and personalized care.
Fiona Carragher, from the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Nine in ten people told us they benefited from receiving a diagnosis as it allows them to plan their future and get vital support.”
“However, dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK and there is still a lot of work to do.”
