Campaign highlights early diagnosis of dementia
HUNDREDS of people in 1066 Country with suspected dementia are not being diagnosed early enough, according to a charity.
Alzheimer’s Society has launched a new initiative to improve dementia diagnosis rates in East Sussex and over the next three months, the campaign will target towns and villages across the county looking to promote the benefits of an early diagnosis and provide information about what help is available. At present, only 42 per cent of people with dementia in Rother and Hastings have a formal diagnosis, lower than other parts of the county. In 2011 there were an estimated 3,429 people with dementia in the area with only 1,436 receiving a diagnosis. The initiative is part of the new East Sussex Memory Assessment Service (MAS), which launched in October. The service has been developed to act as a single point for routine referral for all people with suspected dementia. Those who go on to receive a diagnosis of the condition can then be referred on to an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Adviser. Sara Knight, the charity’s support services manager for East Sussex, said: “It is a shocking that under half of people with dementia ever receive a diagnosis. This will play a crucial role in the campaign to improve diagnosis rates in East Sussex. Early diagnosis is important as it helps those affected to maintain independence and regain control of their lives, as well as giving access to support and potential treatments.” Anyone who is worried about their memory should book an appointment with their GP.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
