Dementia diagnosis has improved due to better collaborative working
Collaborative working through integrated care systems has led to an improvement in dementia diagnosis, according to new research from the King’s Fund.
The report, The role of integrated care systems in improving dementia diagnosis, shows that some integrated care systems are beginning to make progress towards their goals of ensuring people using health and care services experience better and more joined-up care, while supporting a shift in focus towards prevention and early intervention. It also explored the enablers and barriers to improving diagnosis rates.
Commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society, it included interviews with people from three integrated care systems case study sites, visits to dementia support services to understand lived experiences, and a roundtable with national and local organisations.
There are 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and this number is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. While there is currently no cure for dementia, an early and accurate diagnosis enables people to access support and potential treatment to manage symptoms better, helping them to maintain their independence and quality of life for longer. It also enables people and their families to plan ahead better, and may help the health and care system save money in the long-term.