Wiltshire News
Support group's concern over Wiltshire dementia diagnosis
7:20pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012
More than 200 people were diagnosed with dementia in Wiltshire last year – bringing the total in the county to 2,120.
However, the real number of people living with the incurable condition is more than 6,500, according to a new report by the Alzheimer’s Society.
The new diagnosis rate of 33 per cent is an improvement on last year’s 31 per cent, but is still too low, according to local charity Alzheimer’s Support.
Chief executive officer Anna Littlechild said: “The figures are moving in the right direction.
“However, there are still too many people who are undiagnosed.
"These people will not be able to benefit from the drug treatments that are now available, or to plan for the future.
"Many of our service users feel relieved to be diagnosed, as they know for sure what is wrong with them, and that they are suffering from an illness, not just getting ‘old and confused’.’ Alzheimer’s Support, which offers services and support to people with or without a diagnosis, will be conducting a survey into local diagnosis rates in April.
If you would like to get in touch with your own experiences, or are worried about your memory contact 01225 776481.