In October a GP Freedom of Information Act request found that one in four PCTs has closed or reduced dementia services in the past three years and less than half have early detection services in place.

Today the Daily Mail splashed on the figures with a story headlined Alzheimer’s: The Betrayal.

The story launches a fundraising campaign in aid of charity the Alzheimer’s Society to raise funds for those with the devastating disease and other dementia conditions backed by Cliff Richard and Angela Rippon.

GP editor Emma Bower said: 'The figures are really shocking. Specialist services are vital to ensure that people with dementia are identified early and patients and their families receive the support they need.

'GPs would ideally want to refer their patients to such services to ensure they had access to specialist support and advice as their condition progresses. But our figures show that in many areas this is not possible because the services either aren’t there or have been withdrawn.

'It leaves GPs in a very difficult position because they are unable to get their patients the help that they need.

'Incidence of dementia is rising and will continue to rise as people live longer. PCTs should be investing more in dementia care, rather than cutting back these services.'

neil.durham@haymarket.com

• Editors' Blog: Fighting cuts to dementia services

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