Alzheimer's Society welcomes Welsh Government’s commitment to make dementia a priority – but demands action now
A charity has welcomed a Welsh Government commitment to make dementia a priority as diagnosis rates in Wales remain shamefully low.
Plaid Cymru tabled the motion in the Senedd with support from Alzheimer’s Society yesterday (Wednesday) evening, and it was passed after a lively debate with cross-party support.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer - one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime.
Diagnosis rates are too low in every part of the UK, but Wales has the lowest published rate of diagnosis in the UK at 56%* - leaving 44% of people with dementia to cope without the support, care and treatment a diagnosis can bring.
A diagnosis means people living with dementia can plan for the future and access care, support, and treatment which can help them stay well for longer. In a recent survey commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society, only 1% of people saw no benefit from a diagnosis**.
Alzheimer’s Society is calling for the Welsh Government to implement a new full-funded Dementia Action Plan that includes bold, ambitious and achievable new diagnosis rate targets. Everyone in Wales should have access to an early, accurate dementia diagnosis.
Alzheimer’s Society’s National Influencing Manager Gemma Roberts said: “It’s great to see the Welsh Government’s commitment to make dementia a priority, but now we need to see action and strong leadership to drive this change.
“Dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and its impacts can be devastating. The number of people with dementia is predicted to increase rapidly over the next 15 years – the number of people living with dementia in Wales will rise by 37% by 2040.
“The health service urgently needs to increase its diagnostic capacity so everyone can access an early, accurate diagnosis. Dementia’s devastating impact is colossal – on the lives of those it affects, on the healthcare system and on the economy. Now is the time to prioritise dementia and unlock the support we know is desperately needed. That starts with getting more people in Wales diagnosed.”
During the debate Plaid Cymru MS Mabon ap Gwynfor, who led the debate, said: “Dementia is a condition that touches not just those who live with it, but entire communities. In Wales, the impact is profound, and the importance of diagnosing dementia early and accurately cannot be overstated. It is not just a medical issue; it’s a matter of compassion, dignity, and justice.
“For the individual, an early diagnosis is a lifeline. It offers them the power to understand their condition and make informed choices about their future. A diagnosis unlocks access to treatments which can slow the progression of symptoms, support to maintain independence, and potential access to clinical trials. For people living with dementia, a diagnosis means being given the tools to take control of their condition.”
Welsh Labour MS Mike Hedges spoke about a man he used to attend quizzes with: “He started by being forgetful, not sure if he had taken his tablets and not remembering things from earlier in the evening. He was still our best member for identifying people or brands from photographs.
“He eventually, after much persuasion from friends and family, visited his GP.
Getting a diagnosis enabled him to plan for the future and get access to care, support, and treatment, which has helped him stay well for longer. Following treatment, he is now capable of going about his normal daily life and is going to Benidorm for Christmas with friends.”
MS Natasha Asghar, from the Welsh Conservatives, spoke about language barriers for people from ethnic minority communities engaging with care services. She said: “A general practice report study from 2023 identified that continuity of care was lower for all ethnic minority groups compared with their white British counterparts. For example, some older people from ethnic minority communities may be less likely to speak English, or use English, as their dementia progresses. Instead, they will indeed resort back to their mother tongue, so it is vital that there is equitable provision for people in their preferred language.”
Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is here for everyone affected by dementia. Call their Support Line on 0333 150 3456, if you speak Welsh call the Welsh-speaking support line on 03300 947 400, or visit alzheimers.org.uk
* Welsh Government (2024). General Practice Disease Registers: interactive dashboard: dementia prevalence.
** Alzheimer’s Society and Walnut (2024). Personal Experiences of the Dementia Journey – The True Picture. As yet unpublished.
