News Release, 21 September 2005
To mark World Alzheimer’s Day, the Mental Health Foundation today released new research which shows that people would want to know if they had dementia. The charity commissioned an NOP poll to gauge the attitudes of 1,000 men and women across the UK, who overwhelmingly answered that they would want a diagnosis as early as possible if they developed dementia (89 per cent).
However, over a third of GPs (40 per cent) are reluctant to give an early diagnosis. Less than 50 per cent feel they have appropriate training on dementia, and many do not tell patients to avoid causing distress.
Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation says,
“This is a major quality of life issue. An early diagnosis can be highly beneficial for somebody with dementia. It can give a person time to come to terms with a diagnosis, and can help to lessen some of the fear and anxiety and confusion surrounding dementia. Planning ahead also becomes possible and individuals can access support and meet others who are going through the same experience.
“Already, 1 in 20 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 5 people over the age of 80, have dementia. We’re living longer and as a result there will be a dramatic increase in the number of people living with dementia in the not too distant future. There is an urgent need for significant investment in research, training and primary care services, in order to ensure people receive a diagnosis and access to specialist care as early as possible.
A person in the early stages of dementia should be given the opportunity to make their own choices while they have the capacity to do so. For example, they should have the right to make the decision to appoint someone they trust to look after their finances and decisions relating to healthcare and housing. But without a diagnosis, it’s just not going to happen.”
More than half of those questioned aged over 55 years old (56 per cent) think that there is no point in having a diagnosis, in the belief that nothing can be done about it. This suggests that older people are less optimistic about life after a diagnosis of dementia. However younger people disagree with older generations, three quarters (75 per cent) of people in the 15 to 34 age bracket think that an early diagnosis is worthwhile.
The Mental Health Foundation has produced three new guides about dementia. Two of the guides are written for people with a diagnosis of dementia and those who care for them and are specifically about the early stages of the condition. The third is for children and young people.
The guides aim to de-mystify what it means to live with dementia and sensitively address key issues. They cover all the basic facts a person needs to know and give advice on practical and emotional support, planning for the future and tips for coping.
Free Dementia guides by the Mental Health Foundation:
Still Going Strong : A booklet about living with dementia
A guide for people who think they may have dementia, or have just received a diagnosis
Becoming A Carer : A booklet about looking after someone with dementia
A guide for those who have recently started caring for somebody with dementia, or are likely to become carers
The milks in the oven : A booklet explaining dementia to children
A guide to help children and young people understand dementia and how it may affect people they care about.
Find the full guides in Publications
Return to news releases 2005
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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