Julian Knight MP has warned of a ‘tidal wave’ of dementia cases threatening Solihull unless prompt action is taken to raise awareness, research treatments, and improve care.
In Solihull there are an estimated 2,798 sufferers, and this number is predicted to grow by 31 per cent – to 3,800 – by 2021, with local costs rising from £90 million to £120 million.
Speaking in a special Westminster debate, Julian set out the Government’s plan to meet this challenge.
This includes a £300 million investment in research and medical innovation, and a doubling of the annual research spend by 2020. The NHS will also be made more dementia-friendly, with staff training and improved health and care settings.
Since 2010 investment has doubled, hundreds of NHS staff have received new training, and one million Alzheimer’s Society ‘Dementia Friends’ are raising awareness across the country.
Commenting on the meeting, Julian said:
“Dementia is a terrible affliction which causes a huge amount of human suffering. In Solihull cases are set to rise dramatically, this reflects an equally troubling national trend. I am very pleased that the Government is making a serious effort to pre-empt this tidal wave by improving diagnosis rates, raising awareness, funding innovative research and adapting our public services.
“During the debate I also argued for better dementia support in the NHS, highlighted by my campaign to save Ward Ten at Solihull Hospital. It was the biggest social media campaign in Solihull’s history, and led to the creation of a new facility to replace the ward.
“We can all do our part – MPs, health professionals, social services, employers, and the wider general public – in combatting and better understanding dementia. This is why I have signed up to be one of the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Dementia Friends’, and urge others to join me.”