Latest estimates from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities show that 67.2% of people with dementia in Wolverhampton have been formally diagnosed as having the condition, compared to 62% nationally. Across the West Midlands, the diagnosis rate is 58.9%. The national target for diagnosis is 67%.
Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Dementia is a debilitating illness affecting thousands of people in Wolverhampton. And of course, it doesn't just have a devastating effect on the individual, but also their families and friends, too.
"Wolverhampton prides itself on being a city that has been recognised as working towards becoming dementia friendly by the Alzheimer’s Society, and it is good news that services are working well to diagnose cases of dementia, as this means that people who are sadly living with the condition are able to get help and support at the earliest opportunity.
“Dementia is a priority that I care deeply about and I am working with colleagues across the council and our partner organisations to make sure we take further steps to improve our support for people living with the condition here in Wolverhampton.”
People who are worried about dementia can contact the Alzheimer's Society for information and support either via the Dementia Connect Helpline on 0333 150 3456 or by visiting Alzheimer's Society. For more information about the help and support available locally, please visit Dementia. To become a Dementia Friend, visit Dementia Friends.
Wolverhampton has been recognised as working towards becoming dementia friendly by the Alzheimer's Society thanks to the efforts of members of the Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance to improve services for people living with dementia, and their families and carers.
For more details please visit Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance, To join Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance please contact susan.eagle@wolverhampton.gov.uk
