Dementia care is a subject that has always been close to my heart, having lost my Nana to the difficult disease. The care my mum and wider family gave her was loving and selfless, but there is no doubting the memory loss, behavioural change and loss of identity was almost as hard on them as loved ones as it must have been for Nana.

So I was pleased to meet with the Alzheimer’s Society recently, and offer my support for their excellent work. Dementia is something affecting thousands of families locally, with many more sadly expected to join them in the years ahead. By 2030, it is predicted there will be 3,950 living with dementia in Tameside, an increase of 38.9% on the current figure of 2,940. This disease is widespread and devastating, but charities like the Alzheimer’s Society are fierce advocates on behalf of those affected.

One of the main things we discussed was barriers to diagnosing dementia. Unfortunately, diagnosis rates nationally are currently at a five-year low after the pandemic.

Everyone effected deserves a timely, accurate and helpful diagnosis, so alongside other MPs I took part in Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘racetrack game’ which highlighted the problems many with the condition encounter getting a diagnosis. We were given the opportunity to navigate our way to a dementia diagnosis using a remote-control car, avoiding barriers including an incorrect diagnosis, unclear pathways, and postcode lotteries. These affect people here in Tameside, where only 72% of people living with dementia have a diagnosis. Tens of thousands of people now living with undiagnosed dementia in the UK, meaning they don’t have access to the vital care and support that a diagnosis can bring.

Recent shows some people don’t seek a dementia diagnosis because they think memory loss is just part of getting old, fail to recognise the signs of dementia, or are in denial about their symptoms, while they may also face delays once they have tried to find help. Though the thought of diagnosis can be daunting, over 9 in 10 people with dementia say they benefitted from getting a diagnosis, by helping them come to terms with it or plan for the future.

Asking the same question over and over again is not getting old, it’s getting ill. If you are worried that you or a loved one may have dementia, contact your GP, and seek advice and support from the Alzheimer’s Society, including their excellent Dementia Friends scheme which operates here in Tameside.