The Alzheimer’s Society has welcomed the Welsh Government’s recent commitment to making dementia a priority, a motion brought to the Senedd by Plaid Cymru and supported through cross-party collaboration. However, the charity has stressed the urgent need for concrete action to address the nation’s shockingly low dementia diagnosis rates.
With dementia affecting thousands of lives across Wales, the time to act is now. This article delves into the key points raised during the debate, highlights the pressing need for change, and sheds light on the personal and societal impacts of dementia.
Dementia in Wales: A Growing Crisis
Dementia is the UK’s leading cause of death, with one in three individuals born today expected to develop the condition during their lifetime. Despite its devastating impact, Wales has the lowest diagnosis rate in the UK at 56%, leaving 44% of people with dementia to face their condition without the essential care, support, and treatment that a diagnosis provides.
Early diagnosis enables individuals to plan for their future, access support services, and benefit from treatments that can slow symptom progression. In a recent survey commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society, 99% of respondents saw tangible benefits from a diagnosis. Yet, Wales continues to fall behind, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
A Call for an Ambitious Dementia Action Plan
The Alzheimer’s Society has called on the Welsh Government to implement a fully funded Dementia Action Plan with bold, achievable targets for improving diagnosis rates. Gemma Roberts, the charity’s National Influencing Manager, stressed the need for leadership and urgency: “Dementia’s impact is colossal—not only on the lives of those it affects but also on the healthcare system and the economy. The health service must increase its diagnostic capacity to ensure everyone has access to early, accurate diagnosis. The number of people with dementia in Wales is expected to rise by 37% by 2040, and we need to act now.”
Voices from the Debate in the Senedd
Plaid Cymru’s Motion for Change
The debate, led by Plaid Cymru MS Mabon ap Gwynfor, highlighted the profound impact of dementia on individuals and communities in Wales. He noted:
“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 that can slow the progression of symptoms, maintain independence, and provide access to clinical trials.”
Personal Stories of Hope and Struggle
Welsh Labour MS Mike Hedges shared a story of a man he once attended quizzes with:
“He started by being forgetful, unsure if he had taken his tablets, and unable to recall events from earlier in the evening. After much persuasion, he visited his GP and received a diagnosis. This diagnosis allowed him to plan for the future and access care, support, and treatment that have helped him remain well. Now, he is living his life and even planning a trip to Benidorm for Christmas with friends.”
Addressing Cultural and Language Barriers
MS Natasha Asghar from the Welsh Conservatives drew attention to the challenges faced by ethnic minority communities, including language barriers in accessing dementia care. She explained:
“As dementia progresses, individuals may revert to their mother tongue, making it vital that care services are equipped to provide support in their preferred language. A recent 2023 general practice report revealed that continuity of care is significantly lower for ethnic minority groups compared with white British counterparts. Equitable language provision must be prioritised to ensure no one is left behind.”
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
A diagnosis of dementia provides more than just a medical label; it offers individuals and their families the opportunity to understand and manage the condition, plan ahead, and access support. It is a bridge to treatments that can slow the progression of symptoms and improve quality of life. As Mabon ap Gwynfor emphasised, early diagnosis is a matter of “compassion, dignity, and justice.”
Alzheimer’s Society Cymru: A Lifeline for Families
The Alzheimer’s Society Cymru remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting everyone affected by dementia. Its helplines, including a Welsh-speaking support line, provide vital assistance to individuals and families navigating the challenges of dementia. For those seeking support, the charity offers resources at alzheimers.org.uk or via its helpline at 0333 150 3456 (Welsh-speaking support: 03300 947 400).
Final Thought
The Welsh Government’s pledge to prioritise dementia is a welcome step forward, but actions must follow words. A comprehensive and fully funded Dementia Action Plan with ambitious diagnosis targets is essential to address Wales’ alarming diagnosis rates and prepare for the projected 37% rise in dementia cases by 2040.
The debate in the Senedd showcased the urgency and importance of this issue, underscoring the need for a collaborative approach. Early diagnosis is more than a medical milestone – it is a lifeline, a pathway to support, and a foundation for dignity and hope.
The time to act is now. By prioritising dementia care and diagnosis, Wales can lead the way in creating a compassionate and just system that leaves no one behind. Let us ensure that no individual or family faces dementia alone.
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