Local MP, Gordon Prentice, has welcomed the Government's new strategy to care for people with dementia.  The MP says it will transform the lives of people with this condition and help their carers.

Earlier today, Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced the new strategy would include the appointment of dementia advisers; better training for GPs; and a network of memory clinics staffed by specialists to provide early diagnosis and treatment.

The first National Dementia Strategy, with an initial budget of £150m over the next two years, is designed to increase awareness of dementia, ensure early diagnosis and intervention and radically improve the quality of care that people with the condition receive.

Speaking from Westminster, the MP said: "The number of people with dementia is set to double over the next thirty years, and the cost of care and treatment is likely to triple.  I am told the direct costs of dementia to the NHS are approximately £3.3 billion every year."

"The Alzheimer’s Society has welcomed the Strategy and says it will make a huge difference to the lives of people with dementia and their carers - if it is fully delivered."

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, added:

"Today’s announcement sets out an ambitious national rescue plan to transform the lives of people living with dementia.  One million people will develop dementia in the next ten years, this is a momentous opportunity to avert a dementia crisis that could overwhelm the NHS and social care.

"There is so much to do.  Only a third of people with dementia get a formal diagnosis, denying them vital support.  It is essential the strong leadership from the Department of Health continues so that these plans become a reality.  Change won’t happen overnight, but Alzheimer’s Society will be working tirelessly to bring dementia out of the shadows."