Over 40% of presumed dementia cases in individuals aged 65 and above in Mendip remain undiagnosed, according to recent statistics.

During Dementia Action Week, which started on Tuesday, charities are urging the Government to enhance diagnosis rates and invest in support for individuals living with dementia.

NHS data reveals that 1,857 individuals aged 65 and older in Mendip were thought to have dementia in March 2023. Out of these, 1,036 (55.8%) had received a formal diagnosis, leaving 44.2% of those suspected of having dementia without a diagnosis.

Paul Edwards, the director of clinical services at Dementia UK, highlighted that dementia is an escalating issue, mainly due to the aging population. Mr. Edwards stated that continued cuts and a neglect of community services supporting families with dementia have left "thousands in limbo and highly stressed" due to the inability to get a diagnosis.

He emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between health and social care systems in this climate of stretched services and increasing diagnosis rates. This would ensure that individuals receive a timely diagnosis and access the necessary support, as no one should have to confront dementia alone.

Across England, an estimated 687,000 people aged 65 and older are living with dementia. As of March this year, 433,000 patients (63%) had a recorded dementia diagnosis. The regions with the highest diagnosis rates include Stoke (83.9%), Lincoln (82.8%), Rossendale in Lancashire (81.5%), and Ashfield in Nottinghamshire (81.5%). The lowest rates, excluding the City of London, were in South Hams in Devon (44.1%), Eden in Cumbria (45.7%), and Wychavon in Worcestershire (46.8%).

Mark MacDonald, Alzheimer's Society associate director for advocacy, noted that dementia diagnosis rates plummeted to a five-year low during the pandemic and have remained stagnant since. Mr. MacDonald stated that this means tens of thousands of individuals are grappling with dementia alone, lacking access to the crucial care and support that a diagnosis can provide.

He called on the government to pledge to return diagnostic rates to the pre-pandemic levels of 66.7% and advocated for a £70m investment in England's diagnostic services. Mr. MacDonald asserted that despite the daunting nature of a diagnosis, it's better to know. The Alzheimer's Society is encouraging those who suspect they or a loved one may be exhibiting dementia symptoms to utilize their Royal College of GPs-accredited symptom checker.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care underscored the importance of a timely dementia diagnosis and affirmed the NHS's commitment to restoring the dementia diagnosis rate to pre-pandemic levels. They added that the forthcoming Major Conditions Strategy would detail how to prevent, diagnose, and manage six major conditions, including dementia, that contribute to ill health and premature death in England.

They also mentioned that last week, the Health and Social Care Secretary signed an agreement at the G7 Health Ministers' meeting to pledge to collaborate with other nations in addressing health issues such as dementia on a global scale.