Living well with dementia - a National Dementia Strategy
October 2009
Dementia is a difficult subject. It’s no wonder many people don’t want to talk about it.
Sadly, though, 700,000 people in the UK currently suffer from the condition, costing the economy £17 billion a year. Unfortunately, as the number of people with dementia is predicted to double over the next 30 years, this figure is set to rise to £50 billion a year.
But cost is not the only challenge. Dementia is a very distressing illness, affecting both those who suffer from it and their family and carers. It’s a terminal condition but people do live with it for between 7-12 years. Sufferers experience a decline in their memory, reasoning, and communication skills, which get worse over time. Other behavioural and psychological symptoms often include depression, psychosis, aggression and wandering.
Often it’s elderly people who care for dementia sufferers. This is a huge strain, so it’s understandable that the carers can suffer physical or mental illnesses themselves.
The government is prioritising dementia. In August 2007 they announced a programme to develop the first National Dementia Strategy and implementation plan. The aim is to invest in services and care to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers. It’ll save money in the future too.
Launched on 3 February 2009, the strategy outlines three key steps to improve the quality of life for dementia sufferers and their carers. These are:
- Ensure better knowledge about dementia and remove the stigma
- Ensure early diagnosis, support and treatment for people with dementia, their families and carers
- Develop services to meet changing needs
Under the new requirements, a senior doctor in every hospital and care home in England will be responsible for making sure that the needs of people with dementia are met.
Specialist services will need to be developed to ensure early diagnosis and intervention. New dementia advisers will work with people in their local area who are diagnosed with dementia. They’ll work alongside social and health care services, helping families to navigate the services available.
Once the strategy has been fully implemented, it is hoped that all people with dementia and their carers will have the best healthcare and support possible. If dementia is diagnosed early enough, it’s possible to help people overcome the related problems, improving the lives of everyone concerned.
You can download ‘Living well with Dementia – A National Dementia Strategy’ from the Department of Health website.
