A record half a million people have received a dementia diagnosis on the NHS, new figures reveal. NHS England data shows 506,549 people have received a formal dementia diagnosis, compared with 490,163 this time last year.
NHS hospitals are now deploying technology to help people living with dementia remain safely in their homes. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has launched a new at-home monitoring service called MinderCare to detect changes in health needs and potentially reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
Technology monitoring patients at home
The devices include sensors on bed mattresses, household appliances and doorways, allowing clinical teams to track whether patients are managing their daily routine and responding well to medication. Family members report the new devices have given them peace of mind when leaving their loved one alone, with any signs of deterioration spotted quickly so care plans can be adjusted.
Nationally, the NHS offers care plans or reviews and medication reviews, with 330,460 people receiving the former and 114,447 the latter in the past year. Jeremy Isaacs, national clinical director for dementia at NHS England, said the record represents progress thanks to patients and families coming forward.
Family gatherings present opportunity
Isaacs highlighted the upcoming bank holiday weekend as an opportunity for families to spot dementia signs. "There are lots of reasons why people might be forgetful or absent-minded but it could be the sign that something is wrong," he said. "Issues that may not have been obvious previously such as forgetfulness, difficulty making plans, or word-finding problems may be easier to spot when families or friends across the country get together for an extended period."
He emphasised that getting a dementia diagnosis is the first step in accessing NHS support services. "If you have noticed that someone has symptoms, please encourage them to visit their GP for an assessment - the sooner someone is seen the quicker the NHS can help," Isaacs added.
Third of cases remain undiagnosed
Kieran Winterburn, head of national influencing at Alzheimer's Society, said a third of people living with dementia in England remain undiagnosed. "We understand that getting a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but we believe it's better to know," he said. "An early and accurate diagnosis can unlock access to crucial care, support and treatment - helping people manage their symptoms and avoid reaching crisis point."
Winterburn called for continued investment in both innovative technology and diagnostic tools. The MinderCare project has been funded by medical research charity LifeArc, with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust aiming to enrol 100 patients by September 2025 as part of a feasibility study for north-west London.
Sources used: "NHS England" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
