Bolton leads the way in dementia diagnosis
New figures show that dementia diagnosis rates in Bolton are the best in the North West and the town has been identified as being in the top 10 diagnosis rates for dementia in the country.
According to the State of the Nation report and interactive map, published by the Department of Health, 60.9% of people with the condition in the area have a diagnosis. This is 12.9% more than the national average of 48%.
Gill Drummond, Dementia Quality Lead for Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said:
“‘It is really encouraging to see Bolton leading the way as one of the best performing areas for dementia diagnosis rates across the country and the successes and best practice that have been seen here are being shared and used to help drive up standards around the country.
“Improving the diagnosis rate of dementia and the subsequent provision of post diagnostic support is critical as without a diagnosis, people with living with dementia and their carers and family members are unable to access valuable support, information and potential treatments. A diagnosis opens the door to invaluable support that can help people with dementia to live a good quality of life and plan for the future.”
Memory clinics have become a crucial part of diagnosing and caring for people with dementia in the community.
Tracy Wright, Team Manager at the Memory Assessment Service in Bolton said:
“The Bolton Memory Assessment Service was launched just over a year ago and offers investigation into suspected dementia in addition to diagnosis and treatment where appropriate, advisory support, information, post diagnostic support, signposting to the right services and offering carers assessment and support.”
The State of the Nation report and interactive map provide a snapshot of the situation for people with dementia across the country.
Information available includes diagnosis rates, anti-psychotic drug prescription levels for people with dementia and referral of people at risk of dementia in hospitals for further investigation. It can be viewed at http://dementiachallenge.dh.gov.uk/map/.
If people are worried about their memory, we recommend they speak to their GP.
