Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with dementia every month after the NHS sends specialist teams into care homes

Tens of thousands of patients are diagnosed with dementia each month after the NHS sends specialist teams into care homes to assess residents.

Experts identified 475,573 patients with the condition in September – more than 52,000 more than in the same period last year, with the numbers now reaching their highest level in three years.

Health authorities have set a target of diagnosing two-thirds of people over 65 with dementia in the next 12 months. According to current figures, the rate is currently 64.3 percent.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said she was committed to continuing the diagnosis so more patients could get the help they urgently need.

Trials earlier this year showed that the new drug donanemab could slow the early progression of Alzheimer’s by up to 60 percent, a breakthrough hailed as a “watershed moment” in the fight against the disease.

NHS England launched a pilot program to increase diagnosis rates last December. This involves specialist nurses going to nursing homes to assess older adults who may have missed check-ups during the pandemic.

The program saw the North West and North East of England exceed the national diagnosis target by 69.1 per cent and 66.9 per cent respectively – the highest levels since before the pandemic

Speaking at the annual NHS Providers Conference, a networking event in Liverpool yesterday, Ms Pritchard said: “A diagnosis of dementia can be incredibly intimidating for people and their families, but an early diagnosis can ensure they get it as soon as possible for the support they need.” what they need..

“We will continue our efforts and I firmly believe that next year we will reach our goal of diagnosing two-thirds of people.”

NHS guidance encourages anyone concerned about signs of dementia or concerned about a loved one to contact their GP for an assessment.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said she was committed to continuing the diagnosis so more patients could get the help they urgently need.

Health authorities created a national task force earlier this year to prepare for the possible introduction of new Alzheimer’s treatments if they are approved by regulators.

The NHS Long Term Plan also promised to provide better support for people with dementia through more community programs and personal care.

Fiona Carragher, from the Alzheimer’s Association, said: “Nine out of ten people told us they would benefit from a diagnosis as it would enable them to plan their future and receive essential support.”

“However, dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK and there is still work to be done.”