Dementia map highlights diagnosis variation

Health ministers have published a map of dementia diagnosis rates in a bid to name and shame underperforming areas.

Dementia: map highlights variation in care

The map presents detailed figures on diagnosis rates, anti-psychotic drug prescribing and GP referrals for investigation of symptoms.

It accompanies a new 'state of the nation' report into the current standards of care and support for dementia.

An estimated 670,000 people in the England live with dementia. Diagnosis rates actually increased from 46% to 48% between 2011/12 and 2012/13.

But ministers have criticised substantial variation between areas; diagnosis rates vary from 39% to 75% across England.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: ‘Dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face as a nation.

‘This report and map will help drive up standards of dementia care across the country by showing what excellent care looks like, and challenging the rest to become like the best. Full transparency is the best way to drive up standards and tackle poor performance.

‘We must come together as a society to get better at fighting dementia. We all have a role to play in helping people manage dementia better and supporting them to lead healthier lives.’

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