Heather was very grateful to attend the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Week MP Drop-In event today. Many of Heathers Constituents contacted Heather in the run up to this event describing Dementia as the worst possible Health Diagnosis anyone could get by losing someone effectively twice. Once when they can no longer recognise or communicate with you, and then of course when they pass away.
Heather was honoured to attend this event on behalf of her constituents and took the opportunity to learn more about the diagnosis rate in South Derbyshire while also having various conversations with people living with dementia.
Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK with an estimated 900,000 people living with this awful disease in the UK today. 9 in 10 people surveyed by Alzheimer’s Society who are living with dementia believe that their diagnosis has benefitted them. This is because a diagnosis can unlock vital care, support and treatment. The work of the Alzheimer’s society has been invaluable to people living with Dementia and Heather is a firm supporter of this charity.
The Government has recently opened a consultation on how to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage the six major groups of health conditions that most affect the population in England, including Dementia. These are:
• dementia
• cardiovascular disease, including stroke and diabetes
• chronic respiratory diseases
• cancers
• mental ill health
• musculoskeletal disorders
Heather says:
“This is the Government’s way of asking for views on how to set our Country’s priorities for the major condition’s strategy. The aim is to look at what can be delivered over the next five years to improve outcomes as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare the NHS for a future in which more people are living with major health conditions like Dementia.
This type of consultation is so important for us all and I would encourage those with experience in this area whether as a health practitioner or as someone who has an understanding of the current situation to take the time to respond to the consultation.”
