Four in ten people are living with undiagnosed dementia, report shows
A new report led by former health minister, Lord James O’Shaughnessy outlines the ways in which the government can tackle ‘alarming’ rates of undiagnosed dementia.
The report, which was launched on 4th December at Westminster Abbey, was created to open ministers eyes to the severity of the situation.
Prior to the release of the report, estimates from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities revealed a stark reality: 36% of dementia suffers in England remain undiagnosed. In more a more disconcerting revelation, the worst 25% of local authorities are witnessing rates as high as 50%.
These alarming statistics, brought together by policy institute Curia, who created the report Dementia Commission, which can be found in full here, highlights the significant gap in dementia diagnoses, prompting a call for urgent action.
As England continues to grapple with the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, the diagnosis deficit has not only persisted but has increased by over 8% when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Lord James O’Shaughnessy said: ‘This is a critical juncture for our healthcare system. The unrelenting rise in undiagnosed cases demands a paradigm shift in our approach to dementia care.’
In response to the crisis, through the Dementia Commission healthcare professionals and policy makers are advocating for the implementation of new pathways for dementia diagnosis and care. Within this, experts claim integrated care systems will play a pivotal role.
Professor Mike Bewick, deputy national medical director at NHS England and co-chair of the NHS innovation and life sciences commission, said: ‘Beyond the statistics, there lies an opportunity to reshape our healthcare landscape. We envision a future where data is not just a tool but the foundation of effective, accountable, and patient-centric care.’
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