Almost 20,000 people in the North East are living with dementia – that’s according to figures released this week showing more over 65s in England than ever before have the heartbreaking diagnosis.
Just across the seven local authority areas in the North Est, 19,186 people over 65 are confirmed to be living with the progressive condition. But the NHS figures also suggest that’s just over 70% of those estimated to have dementia.
Even so, the diagnosis rate is up on a year ago, which doctors say is good news. This is echoed around the country and comes as top health service medics urge members of the public to use the holiday period to watch for symptoms in their loved ones.
Dr Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England national clinical director for dementia, said: “Dementia often develops slowly and might not be apparent during a brief interaction, but with family and friends gathering at Christmas perhaps for the first time in months, there is an opportunity to spot the signs of this condition.
“Thanks to patients and families coming forward, and the hard work of NHS staff, we have a record almost half a million people diagnosed with dementia, most of whom are living in their own homes with support from family and friends.”
As of the end of November this year, this is what the dementia statistics are like in the North East’s seven local authorities:
County Durham – 5,304 over 65s with a dementia diagnosis, and a rate of 71.3.
Northumberland – 3,600 over 65s with a dementia diagnosis, and a rate of 64.5.
Newcastle – 2,177 over 65s with a dementia diagnosis, and a rate of 73.8.
North Tyneside – 2,095 over 65s with a dementia diagnsis, and a rate of 72.1.
South Tyneside – 1,507 over 65s with a dementia diagnosis, and a rate of 73.2.
Sunderland – 2,477 over 65s with a dementia diagnosis, and a rate of 67.4.
Gateshead – 2,026 over 65s with a dementia diagnosis, and a rate of 73.4.
A total of 19,186 people over 65 in our region have a confirmed diagnosis. That’s a rate of 70.8% and is up almost 700 on the same time a year earlier.
Nationally, the data shows more people than ever before have been diagnosed with the condition in England. November NHS figures revealed 499,068 people have received a dementia diagnosis – a jump of 19,416 in a year.
Care minister Stephen Kinnock said a timely diagnosis is “vital” to ensure patients can access the care and support they need as early as possible. Common symptoms include forgetfulness, irritability, struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word and being confused about time and place, and the NHS is encouraging people to get checked if they experience any early signs.
Jennifer Keen, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Society, backed the drive to encourage people to check symptoms. She said: “Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK. Christmas should be a happy time when families often get together.
“But sadly, for some people it will be the first time they notice changes in their loved ones showing signs of dementia. A third of people living with dementia in England don’t have a diagnosis.
“Getting a diagnosis can be daunting but we believe it’s better to know. An early and accurate diagnosis can open the door to vital care, support and treatment.
“It can also help people to manage their symptoms and avoid ending up in crisis. We welcome the drive to ensure more people get a dementia diagnosis and the lifechanging help they need.”
Dementia was the leading cause of death in the UK in 2023 – with 75,393 people dying from the disease last year, compared with 74,261 in the previous 12 months and 69,178 in 2021, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
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