Andrew Western, the MP for Stretford and Urmston, met up with the Alzheimer’s Society in Parliament today, to discuss the dementia rates in Stretford and Urmston and the steps needed to reduce regional inequalities.
In Stretford and Urmston, 2,858 people are currently living with dementia – of that number – 1,861 have a formal diagnosis.
Andrew Western said: “It was great to meet Koula and Eamonn at the Alzheimer’s Society‘s Dementia Action Week event and to hear first-hand about the importance of a good diagnosis experience.
“I found out the diagnosis rate within Stretford and Urmston and discussed the steps we can take to reduce regional inequalities.”
Dementia research has hit a pivotal point, with the first treatments for Alzheimer’s disease expected soon. Blood tests for dementia are also expected to be available in the near future. However, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, if the UK is to benefit from this research, then dementia must be made a political priority.
Dementia costs the UK more than £35 billion each year. This figure is expected to rise to £94.1 billion by 2040.