New plan to help demetia suffers

Seattle - = Dementia is a difficult disease to treat, but new programs in England are being geared to help those suffering from the condition. Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function. The condition is caused by either damage or disease and while it’s often associated with aging and other geriatric issues it can occur at any stage of adulthood. These symptoms can be classified as either reversible or irreversible depending on the etiology of the disease. Less than 10 % of cases are due to causes which can be reversed with treatment.

Making the condition even more difficult for suffers is the social stigma associated with the condition. For example Sir Terry Pratchett a best-selling author of fantasy novels known for having sold more than 55 million books worldwide has admitted to feeling nervous about ‘coming out’ as an Alzheimer’s patient. Some suffers delay diagnosis and treatment out of the same fear. Feeling that they might be ostracized or mocked because of their condition only increases their isolation and depression. Patients and their family members often feel unsupported by their communities and have difficulty navigating care and support systems.

A five-year strategy plan with a £150 million budget for the first two years calls for a plan of local memory clinics. The intent of these clinics would be to both spot and treat dementia. The hope is that early diagnosis and early intervention treatment will improve a dementia suffers quality of life. The clinics will be designed as a sort of ‘one stop shop’ where a patient can receive expert assessment, support, information and advice on their memory problems. Caregivers would also be able to receive advice and information.

Plans are also being made for the clinics to raise the profile of dementia and improve the quality of treatment. Planners want doctors to receive extra training to recognize the early signs of dementia. Every hospital and care home should have a specially trained senior clinician to ensure dementia patients receive proper care. At the same time they hope to launch a national campaign promoting a better understanding of dementia. Scotland and Wales are also developing plans for dementia treatment and care.

The condition is estimated to affect over 700,000 people in the UK. These numbers could double over the next 30 years. In 2007 it was found only 70% of GPs in England had access to a local memory service where they could refer patients.