More support for people with dementia, under five year strategy

More people who have dementia will be supported to live as full a life as possible, under a new five year strategy.

The 2025-2030 Derby and Derbyshire dementia strategy outlines a plan to help prevent dementia through information and advice about healthy lifestyle choices, support people with early symptoms or not yet diagnosed to live well, through advice, education and information, provide the right care for people who have been diagnosed and identify more people who have late stage dementia so their care can be planned effectively.

The strategy has been created following extensive consultation and input from health professionals, council social care teams and the voluntary and community sector.

Dementia diagnosis rates are a success in Derbyshire, because they are 1.2% above the national target level of 66.7%. Around 10,000 people had a diagnosis in 2024, but a further 4,677 were estimated to be undiagnosed.

The ageing population means increasing numbers of people are likely to have dementia. Projections suggest 22,000 people will have dementia by 2030. 

They are also more likely to have multiple other conditions which are complicated by their dementia.

Diagnosis means people can: 

• understand what is happening to them 
• adapt the way they live to help themselves and their families
• plan for their future, for example finances and lasting power of attorney
• get support from local community and voluntary groups
• get respite support for their carers
• consider housing options, such as "extra care" accommodation
• get technology enabled care or assistive technology
• apply for financial help or help with social care 
• get drugs that are available to slow the onset of dementia
• plan for end of life care to meet their wishes

Dr Justin Walker, Derby and Derbyshire clinical lead for dementia, said: "We want first of all to help prevent dementia through supporting good brain health. That means helping people to address some of the key factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, diabetes, social isolation, depression and physical inactivity among others.

"We know that people sometimes have symptoms or early stage dementia before getting a diagnosis. Information about managing symptoms and adapting the way you live is really important. For people who have a diagnosis we aim to help them manage their condition more proactively, and we want to diagnose more people who have missed the opportunity of an early diagnosis, because even a late diagnosis can have a positive impact on their care and daily life."

The 2025-2030 dementia strategy includes plans to increase the numbers of people diagnosed at late stage by:

• training and supporting GPs and advanced clinical practitioners in a method that enables diagnosis of late stage dementia, for example in a care home
• continuing to support successful work by clinicians at the Royal Derby Hospital who are taking the opportunity to diagnose dementia when people are admitted for another reason, such as a fall
• increasing the frequency of annual dementia and care plan reviews, so they better meet a person's current needs

In Derby and Derbyshire the Alzheimer's Society provides a local information and advice service, supporting around 4,890 people a year who have dementia, together with their carers and families.

Susan O'Malley, Alzheimer's Society local services manager for Derbyshire, said: "We are here to help by providing expert support through practical advice, emotional support and guidance. We provide advice and support both for individuals and for professionals through our local dementia advisers.

"Getting an early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage symptoms and avoid ending up in a crisis.  We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to the Alzheimer's Society for expert support through practical advice, emotional support and guidance for the next best step."

If you are worried about dementia, contact Derbyshire Dementia Information and Advice Service on 01332 208845 or email derbyshire @ alzheimers.org.uk 

You can also contact Derby City Dementia Support Service on 01332 497640 or email derbycitydementiasupport @ alzheimers.org.uk