The Alzheimer's Society says that the dementia diagnosis rate in North West Leicestershire is 53.3 per cent - and considered 'seriously below' the national average.

As part of Dementia Action Week 2023,  Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen attended a Parliamentary reception, hosted by the The Alzheimer's Society.

Dementia diagnosis rates vary considerably across the country, from just 42 per cent in South Hams to 82.9 per cent in Stoke-on-Trent.

The national aim for dementia diagnosis is that two-thirds of people with dementia should have a formal diagnosis.

To highlight regional variations, Alzheimer's Society has developed a traffic light system showing each local authority's dementia diagnosis status. 

North West Leicestershire is Red. This means the local dementia diagnosis rate is seriously below the national average.

As such, it is considered urgent action is needed to make sure that people with dementia are getting the help they need.

Mr Bridgen - who recently joined the Reclaim Party - has lent his support to the charity's Dementia Action Week campaign on the importance of dementia diagnosis.

The tagline 'It's not called getting old, it's called getting ill' encourages people worried about their own or a loved one's memory, to seek support in getting a diagnosis using a 'symptoms checklist'.

This is available on Alzheimer's Society's online hub at www.alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss.  

Mr Bridgen MP said: "There are 2637 people in North West Leicestershire living with dementia, but just 1427 have a diagnosis.

"Everyone living with dementia deserves an accurate, timely, and high-quality dementia diagnosis so they can access vital care and support, and plan for their future." 

James White, Head of National Influencing at Alzheimer's Society, said: "We thank Andrew Bridgen MP for meeting with us, and showing their support this Dementia Action Week.

"The dementia diagnosis rate fell below the national ambition during the pandemic, and it has remained stagnant around 62 per cent ever since.

"More than 30,000 people have missed out on a diagnosis, and therefore access to help and support, during this period.

"We believe it's better to know – 9 in 10 people told us they benefitted from getting a diagnosis as it meant they could access treatment and advice and plan for the future.

"Government needs to take urgent action to level up the diagnosis rate across the country, and ensure that people with dementia are not slipping through the net."

For support and information about dementia visit HERE or call Alzheimer's Society on 0333 150 3456.