NHS England Announces £5 Million To Spearhead Dementia Diagnosis Drive

Speaking at the Royal College of General Practitioners conference, Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, announced a £5 million funding boost for GPs to increase identification of people with dementia.

This announcement is part of NHS England’s ongoing push to identify and diagnose two-thirds of people with dementia by April 2015.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said:

‘A very welcome and much needed step by NHS England. With the number of people living with dementia expected to hit two million by 2051, all moves to improve diagnosis rates are important. Only with a diagnosis can people access vital information and support which helps them to make sense of what is happening and plan for the future.

‘Currently only half of people with the condition receive a diagnosis and many struggle without support. Alzheimer’s Society will be working with CCGs and GP practices to support them both in reaching out to people worried about their memory, ensure timely diagnosis and then provide support with our information services and Dementia Advisers.’