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Closed Invest £16 million into improving dementia diagnostics

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Around 1 in 3 people living with dementia in England never receive a formal diagnosis.

We believe that with recent news of life-changing treatments such as Lecanemab and Donanemab potentially becoming available in the UK, thousands of people may be unable to access these drugs because of inadequate diagnoses.

Lumbar Punctures have been found to be a fast, accurate and cost-effective way to detect signs of dementia. A £16 million investment could boost the number of Lumbar Punctures from 2,000 a year to 20,000; helping the NHS pay for infrastructure, equipment and specialist training. The annual cost of social and informal care for those with dementia is estimated to be over £20 billion - and it is estimated around 1 in 4 hospital beds are occupied by a dementia patient, this investment into diagnostics could present a clear and long-term economic benefit.

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  • Petition closed

  • Related activity

    Inequalities in dementia services debated by MPs

    MPs held a debate on inequalities in dementia services on Thursday 16 May in Westminster Hall. The debate was led by Debbie Abrahams MP.

    The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Maria Caulfield MP, responded on behalf of the Government.

    During the debate, MPs discussed dementia diagnosis, including diagnosis rates and post-diagnostic support.

    What is a Westminster Hall debate?

    Westminster Hall is the second chamber of the House of Commons. Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise issues and receive a response from a government minister. Westminster Hall debates are general debates that do not end in a vote.

    Visual explainer: Westminster Hall debates

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    This petition will stay open until 30 May 2024.