Alzheimer’s Society comment on Welsh Government’s dementia initiative

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford unveiled a plan to recruit new primary care support workers to help people diagnosed with dementia as part of a new Welsh Government drive to tackle the condition.

Mark Drakeford also said he wants health boards to work towards a 50% diagnosis rate by 2016.

The policies are part of the Welsh Government’s ambition to make Wales a dementia-friendly nation.

‘There are currently 45,000 people living with dementia in Wales. However, behind this statistic there are real people, many of whom are struggling to cope. We therefore welcome the Minister’s focus on dementia and Welsh Government’s ambition to make Wales a dementia-friendly nation.

‘The plan outlined by the Minister is an important stepping stone to transforming people’s lives. Every person with dementia should have access to the certainty of a diagnosis and the right support to come to terms, and live well, with the condition.

‘It is important that we see meaningful changes to truly transform the lives of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s Society looks forward to working with Welsh Government to achieve this.’