Doctors to Test All Pensioners for Dementia
As an organisation we have strong interest in raising awareness about dementia and were pleased to see the Prime Minister announcing two new schemes to combat the condition.
Download the National Dementia Vision for Wales document
In the new pilot schemes, GPs using iPad-compatible software will test people for normal or abnormal memory in 10 minutes.
Pensioners will also be given memory tests every time they visit a doctor or nurse and 1million people - including bank and shop workers and schoolchildren - will be offered training under a Dementia Friends scheme so they can help those who need extra assistance.
For more about the two initiatives please read Doctors to Test All Pensioners for Dementia on The Telegraph website.
There are currently just over 42,700 people living with dementia in Wales, and it is important to note that the effect on the individual is different in each case.
This is not just a problem affecting Wales - the most up-to-date statistics show that the numbers of people with dementia are rising across the UK and the world with an estimated 35 million people with dementia worldwide.
Much work has taken place in Wales recently to identify the areas that need to be addressed to improve the lives of those with and affected by dementia.
This has led to the creation of the National Dementia Vision for Wales which provides a long-term vision to ensure Wales can best meet the challenge of an increasing number of people living with dementia across the country.
If you have any questions about WaMH in PC's work with dementia in Wales please visit our Dementia section or contact us via email at lhills@rcgp.org.uk or on 029 2050 4516.
