New research has revealed only 49% of people living with dementia in Cornwall and its surrounding areas have received a diagnosis.

The research from Future Health, the healthcare policy research consultancy, was commissioned and funded by Roche Products Ltd to further the understanding of care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Cornwall faces some of the country’s most serious challenges, with high prevalence rates of dementia but one of the lowest diagnosis rates

According to Future Health's data, the pandemic has seen a reduction in the proportion of patients receiving a diagnosis, with the number in Cornwall falling below 60% - missing the Government target of two thirds.

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Sam Bolam, CEO of carers of people with dementia network tide (together in dementia everyday), said: "We hear regularly from those in our network about how difficult it is to get an accurate and timely diagnosis; and this report shows the scale of the challenge we now face.

"Any new dementia strategy must provide additional support for carers to help them in their critical role in supporting people with this complex condition."

Richard Sloggett, Founder of Future Health and a former special advisor in the Department of Health and Social Care, said: "The pandemic has set back the progress made on dementia diagnosis rates and urgent action is now needed to support recovery across Cornwall.

"The forthcoming dementia strategy must tackle regional disparities, particularly in how patient access to a diagnosis can be improved.

"New targets, investment in diagnostics and technology along with a public health campaign can all help deliver a dementia diagnostic recovery that ensures patients can get access to the treatment, care and support they deserve."