< In Short >
Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK. The risk of dementia increases with age and as we live longer lives, more and more of us will live with the condition ourselves and/or as carers.
However, dementia is not an inevitable consequence of ageing, and much more can be done to prevent, delay or lessen its impact on daily lives.
Dementia remains woefully underdiagnosed across the country. And this has to change as diagnosis unlocks the care, support and treatment that people living with dementia need to manage their condition. We must improve post-diagnostic support, as without the guarantee of proper care pathways many people are left to cope alone. For example, even after a dementia diagnosis, in England only two-thirds - and in Scotland less than half - of people have a care plan.
For too long, government has relied on families and friends to fill these gaps. But, in an ageing society, our informal support systems, local government, the formal care sector and health service can’t continue to sustain the status quo.
Treatments to slow, stop, or even reverse the disease process are currently out of reach for most people living with dementia. So, we need to redouble efforts both in prevention and delaying onset, and in ensuring every dementia diagnosis is followed up with access to formal care and support services enabled by a comprehensive, personalised care plan. All people living with dementia should have access to quality care suited to their individual needs and the PriDem model highlighted in this booklet illustrates what a holistic primary care pathway looks like.
“Living better with dementia is not rocket science. Whilst one day we might find a cure, to help people living with dementia now, resources must be directed towards improving the dementia care ecosystem to ensure everyone affected by dementia gets access to the care and support they need.”
Professor Dame Louise Robinson, Professor of Primary Care and Ageing at Newcastle University and PriDem Project lead
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Title : Living Better With Dementia Through Care and Support
Publication : International Longevity Centre UK, 2025 (16 pages)