“Dementia is fast becoming the hidden epidemic of the 21st century so the Government’s focus on early diagnosis and support is a positive step. But hand in hand with early diagnosis there needs to be a commitment to providing more money for research into the causes of dementia. After years of well-funded research‚ early diagnosis now gives cancer sufferers the hope of recovery – without essential research‚ early diagnosis brings no such hope for dementia patients.

“The £1 billion this strategy is expected to save should be spent finding long term solutions to this problem as well as improving the lives of those living with the condition. Help the Aged funds essential research which hopefully may one day bring a cure to these degenerative and heart-breaking conditions.”

Gordon Lishman‚ Director General of Age Concern‚ says:

"If implemented well‚ the Government's national dementia strategy has huge potential to improve the lives of older people and their carers. However‚ we mustn’t be fooled into thinking that this new strategy will address all the mental health needs of older people.

"A focus on early diagnosis‚ a network of memory clinics and extra training for GPs are all very welcome‚ as despite the expected growth in the number of people with dementia‚ there is still stigma and fear about the illness. It is estimated that by 2025 there will be one million people in the UK with dementia‚ which will mean more and more NHS services will need to be prepared to respond to their complex needs.

"The care of older people with dementia in general hospitals is often very poor‚ therefore all doctors and nurses need training to ensure they provide the best quality of care for people with the illness. Existing resources can be used more effectively‚ but significant investment is needed to ensure the NHS can meet the health needs of its ageing population."