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Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for a progressive neurological disorder that affects how the brain functions. There are over 200 different types of dementia, with Alzheimer ’s disease being the most common, accounting for 62 per cent of dementia cases[1]. Symptoms vary depending upon the part of the brain affected, and can include difficulties with memory, communication, decision making, planning, and orientation to place and time, all of which impact upon a person’s ability to carry out activities of daily living.

Dementia prevalence increases with age and is more common among women[1].  People with learning disabilities are at increased risk of developing dementia. 

Key points

    • It is estimated that there were approximately 3,200 people over the age of 65 with dementia in Herefordshire in 2017, this figure is estimated to rise to approximately 5,500 by 2035[2].
    • In 2017, dementia related costs among over 65s in Herefordshire were estimated to be in the region of £104 million, with the highest proportion of the cost (£46 million, 44 per cent) being attributed to the provision of informal care.
    • Dementia diagnosis rates have been lagging behind in Herefordshire.  As of 2017, Herefordshire had not met the 2015 national dementia diagnosis rate target of 66.7 per cent of people with dementia having a formal diagnosis. Local initiatives are in place to enhance diagnosis rates.
    • Dementia presents a significant and urgent challenge to health and social care in Herefordshire in terms of the numbers of people affected, the impact it has on their quality of life, and the associated costs of living with the condition.  It is one of the medical conditions that contributes significantly to the burden of ill health suffered by older people. In recognition of this, Herefordshire’s Health and Wellbeing Board has named supporting people livivng with dementia as a strategic priority.

In late 2017, an Older People’s Integrated Needs Assessment was undertaken. Dementia is a topic area covered within the report.  The report contains local prevalence, risk factor, and service use data, as well as an overview of community based services available for people living with dementia and their carers.  Key findings are discussed and recommendations made for improving outcomes locally.

In 2015, a Mental Health Needs Assessment was undertaken.  Chapter 7 of the report focusses on people living with dementia.

The executive summary of the Integrated needs assessment for people with dementia and their families is available in the resource box below.  Published in 2012, it built upon the Joint commissioning plan living well with dementia in Herefordshire (published January 2011), and presents the key findings from a comprehensive analysis of local dementia needs and existing services.

More recent data on dementia can be found using the links in the box on the right-hand side of this page.

We are not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites. References or listings should not be taken as endorsement by Herefordshire Council of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages. 

 [1] Alzheimer's Society. Dementia UK: Update 2014. 2014. Available from: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/download/downloads/id/2323/dementia_uk_update.pdf.

Dementia resources

Download the executive summary of the integrated needs assessment that was undertaken in 2012

 

Last updated: Thursday, August 23, 2018

  • Useful links
    1. Fingertips profiles

      View different indicators for Herefordshire and individual GP practices on Public Health England's fingertips website

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