As the General Election approaches, the Alzheimer’s Society has issued a clarion call for candidates from all political parties to prioritise dementia, the UK’s biggest killer and the most pressing health and social care challenge we face. With over 2,882 people living with dementia in Swindon, the organisation insists that it is high time for local and national decision-makers to address this escalating crisis.
In a letter to The Swindonian, Melanie Cressey, Local Systems Influencing Officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, highlighted the alarming statistics and urgent need for action. “Alzheimer’s Society research shows that one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime,” Cressey writes. “As things stand, the burden of dementia falls heavily on families, who shoulder 63% of the care costs, amounting to an overwhelming £42 billion annually in the UK. Without intervention, this figure will more than double to £90 billion by 2040.”
The current state of dementia care and diagnosis is inadequate, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. Nationally, dementia diagnosis rate targets are not ambitious enough, with a third of people living with dementia in England remaining undiagnosed. This lack of diagnosis prevents many from accessing crucial care and support, as well as potential new treatments if they are approved.
The Alzheimer’s Society is calling for the next UK government to take the following actions:
- Deliver a long-term social care workforce strategy: This should ensure that there are enough well-trained staff to provide high-quality, personalised dementia care.
- Set new, ambitious dementia diagnosis rate targets: These targets must be supported by funded plans to ensure early, accurate, and high-quality diagnoses.
- Publish plans for disease-modifying treatments: Healthcare systems across the UK must invest in the diagnostic workforce and infrastructure necessary to deliver these treatments effectively.
Cressey concludes with a heartfelt plea: “No one in Swindon should face dementia alone. If you are worried about yourself or someone close to you, check your symptoms today using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist. Visit alzheimers.org.uk or call their Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.”
As the election draws near, the Alzheimer’s Society’s message is clear: it is time for candidates to commit to making a real difference in the lives of those affected by dementia, ensuring that families no longer have to bear the burden alone.
