February 20, 2012 10.29 am This story is over 159 months old

More people diagnosed with dementia in Lincolnshire

Dementia care: The number of people living with dementia in Lincolnshire rose in a year by more than 300 from 10,502 to 10,807.

New figures from the Alzheimer’s Society show an increase in the number of people being diagnosed with dementia in Lincolnshire.

The number of people with dementia rose in a year by more than 300 from 10,502 to 10,807.

However, the figures show that only 39% of people (4,288) living with dementia have a diagnosis in the Lincolnshire – an increase of 1.5% since last year.

Lincolnshire PCT has the biggest number of people with dementia in the East Midlands at 10,807, followed by Derbyshire County PCT with 10,021.

It is thought that there are more than 33,000 people in the East Midlands living with the condition but aren’t receiving any of the benefits, drug treatments and support that comes from receiving a diagnosis.

Ian Howarth, area manager for Alzheimer’s Society in East Midlands says: “It’s shocking that well over half of people that are living with dementia still don’t have a diagnosis in the East Midlands and so aren’t receiving the support, benefits and the medical treatments that are often available.

“We have seen an increase over the last year, but there is still a long way to go.Everyone is a little bit forgetful now and again, but when memory loss starts to interfere with your daily life it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible. The sooner people are diagnosed, the sooner they can get support and start planning for the future.”

Steve Boryszczuk’s wife Michelle, 43, was diagnosed with a form of Alzheimer’s Disease. Steve, from Wickenby near Lincoln, said:

“Michelle’s father died when he was 46 after developing Alzheimer’s. When she was diagnosed at the age of just 38, we were able to get her drug treatments which I think have helped her and have extended the time we’ve had together.

“Her father died much quicker because he didn’t get a diagnosis until very late and so didn’t receive the medication, which might have made a difference. He also missed out on the help and benefits that come from receiving a diagnosis.”

Source: Alzherimer’s Society | Photo: Justin Sorensen