National Dementia Strategy Must Be 'Bold And Ambitious', UK

In advance of the publication of the Government's consultation on the National Dementia Strategy tomorrow, Help the Aged has called on the Government to be 'bold and ambitious'


Elizabeth McLennan, Policy Officer at Help the Aged said:


'Research conducted by Help the Aged has revealed that the UK public rank mental decline higher than any other worry about ageing - more important even than money worries. With the number of people suffering from the disease expected to rise by two thirds in the next 20 years, this comes as no surprise.


'Unless we get to grips with this condition, we will face not only spiralling economic costs but also rising levels of unmet need.


'It's vital that that the dementia strategy paves the way for much higher levels of research into the disease - tackling the causes of the condition is the first step. The Government must also ensure that those living with dementia are given the best possible care, both at home and in care homes.


'Every care home should have a recognised expert on dementia on their staff, and all staff must have training in how best to provide care for people with dementia. Care homes must also provide constructive activities to enable people who have dementia, to keep their brain's active, so potentially reducing decline in mental ability.


'Dementia robs victims of their identities as memory, speech and understanding are lost. Failure to fund much higher levels of research into the condition means condemning many more people to an older age affected by increasing mental incapacity.'



Notes


The Disconnected Mind is a major scientific study into early mental decline funded by Help the Aged. The study takes unique data from the 1947 Scottish Mental Survey and combines it with a decade of new research using the latest techniques, such as MRI scanning. By revisiting 1,000 of the original participants from 1947, who are now in their 70's, the study will span 60 years and 1,000 lives to unlock the secrets of mental decline. The goal is to produce essential new understanding that will lead to medical solutions or suggest lifestyle changes that can help reduce the condition.


Help the Aged is running The Disconnected Mind study and is currently appealing for the donations it needs to support this vital research through to its conclusion in 2015. For more information visit disconnectedmind.uk


Right care, Right deal' is the new national campaign launched to build public awareness and support for the need for brave and innovative solutions for the social care system. With the Government indicating that social care is an urgent political priority, and in advance of the expected green paper later in 2008, the campaign combines three of the UK's largest charities working with and for older people and their families and carers, and will urge the government to renew its vision for the future of social care in England. Visit rightcare.uk


Help the Aged is the charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation, neglect and ageism. It campaigns to raise public awareness of the issues affecting older people and to bring about policy change. The Charity delivers a range of services: information and advice, home support and community living, including international development work. These are supported by its paid-for services and fundraising activities - which aim to increase funding in the future to respond to the growing unmet needs of disadvantaged older people. Help the Aged also funds vital research into the health issues and experiences of older people to improve the quality of later life.


Help the Aged urgently needs donations and support to help it in the increasingly challenging fight to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect.

Help the Aged