Hundreds of city pensioners have undiagnosed dementia

Concerns have been raised as the city falls below the national target for diagnosis.

NHS figures show that 759 people over 65 have been diagnosed with some form of dementia in Worcester, but it is estimated more than 600 pensioners could be living with the disease without being formally diagnosed.

Dementia charities across the city have stressed the importance of getting a diagnosis so the services available to them can be better understood.

Danny Dhadda, services manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Worcestershire, said: “There are many reasons why people might not get a dementia diagnosis and these can include a lack of understanding about the benefits of getting a diagnosis and stigma that can still be associated with dementia.

"Every person with dementia is different and can experience different symptoms. Once diagnosed though, people with dementia will be better prepared to manage their symptoms."

The Alzheimer's Society said nobody should face dementia alone and getting a diagnosis can help access financial benefits as well as physical and mental help.

The target set by the Department of Health in a bid to increase the rate of diagnosis, was for at least two thirds of the estimated number of people with dementia to be diagnosed by March 2015.

The latest data, for April this year, shows that the diagnosis rate for the whole of England is 67.3 per cent but Worcester is missing the national target with a rate of 55.6 per cent.

A spokesman for Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust said: “Diagnosing dementia can be complex as symptoms will vary significantly from person to person, but we have a range of support pre and post a formal diagnosis, including teams which work with patients and their families through regular home visits or clinic appointments, to specialist inpatient wards when that’s required.

"People with dementia and their families tell us it is important to ensure people are given a timely but effective diagnosis which is right for them and supports them to continue living independent, fulfilled lives, so it is key that we also focus on providing that rather than on the numbers of dementia diagnoses alone.

"However we are aware that we are short of the national diagnosis target in south Worcestershire and we are working closely with commissioners and NHS England on addressing this so patients get a timely diagnosis and access to the appropriate level of support.”

Paul Edwards, director of clinical services at Dementia UK, said: “These estimates should be taken seriously as if left undiagnosed and untreated, dementia can be a life-changing experience for the person living with the condition and their families.

"Dementia is a complex and challenging condition which can make talking about it or seeking help for it uncomfortable for some people. It may or may not be dementia but it’s still important to get a proper diagnosis and support.

"Access to support early on gives people more choices and the confidence to plan ahead and prepare for the future."

Philip Talbot, chief executive of Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire, said: “Dementia is a major issue for some older people in our communities.

"Our focus is on raising awareness of dementia so people can receive a timely diagnosis and access to the services and support they need to live well with dementia.

"We are aware of the lower than average diagnosis rates in our locality and we are working in partnership to scrutinise and contribute to a programme of agreed actions which will ensure that people will receive the diagnosis they need at the earliest opportunity."