The importance of diagnosis and support for people living with dementia was highlighted at a recent conference held by Alzheimer’s Society in the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Drumaness Road, Ballynahinch recently. The conference challenged diagnosis rates and encouraged support and improvement across Northern Ireland so that people with dementia can continue living independently in their community for as long as possible.
 
There are currently 19,765 people living with dementia in Northern Ireland and this figure is expected to rise to 25,000 by 2021.  Whilst diagnosis rates in Northern Ireland are above the UK average, they have stalled in recent years with just over half (52.5 per cent) of people with dementia receiving a diagnosis.
 
Alzheimer’s Society has led the way in calling for health professionals to recognise how important an early diagnosis is. The ‘Right to Know’ campaign pushes the government and the NHS to improve diagnosis rates and ensure they continue to improve. A diagnosis is so important so people can understand the condition and how to manage it, maintaining their independence for as long as possible and accessing all the available support and services.
 
Opening the conference, Bernadine McCrory, Director of Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland said:
“Northern Ireland has been leading the way with a high average of diagnosis rates compared to the rest of the UK and Alzheimer’s Society wants to see this continue. Alzheimer’s Society will continue to work with the Health & Social Care Board to ensure that people concerned about their memory have appropriate routes of referral to and from GP practices to memory services for assessment and diagnosis.”

Service user Michael Dunn, who cares for his mum who has dementia said:
“Having the support of Alzheimer’s Society is so important. A big thing for me is to know that I’m not alone and being able to share my experiences with others. They have been able to simplify matters for me and advised me on who I should speak to.”
 
Speaking at the conference, Heather Lundy, Dementia Friendly Community Manager said:
“In Northern Ireland people often wait three years from symptoms start to show before talking to their GP.  Their dementia will have progressed and unfortunately they still may hear that they are just getting older.  Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain and is not a natural part of ageing. 
 
"People with dementia report that a timely diagnosis, when symptoms start to show, benefits them in three ways firstly by accessing treatments where available, getting relevant information and support and being able to talk to family and friends about their diagnosis to plan for the future that they want.”

Services users enjoying the retro sweet cart at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel