Over 400 dementia sufferers living in Larne

The charity is urging the Department of Health, Social Service and Public Safety to ensure that people with dementia receive the care and support they need from diagnosis to end of life.

Bernadine McCrory, Alzheimer’s Society’s director of operations in Northern Ireland, said: “With over 19,700 people living with dementia in Northern Ireland, and many more friends and family affected by the condition, it is vital the government takes action.”

“We know that parts of Northern Ireland are leading the way as some of the best performing areas for support after diagnosis.

“We must do more to ensure that everyone living with dementia gets the care and support they need.”

Irene Brown, aged 70, from County Antrim, is a carer for her partner William Crawford (72) who has Alzheimer’s disease.

She said: “An early diagnosis and subsequent medication may have slowed down the deterioration - it took sixmonths for the assessment to be made.

“What is required is a unit which employs a GP, psychiatrist and a radiographer to enable tests to be carried out and results known immediately – or within a short period of time. “

The NHS waiting time for results adds so much more stress to the already ‘stressed out Carer.”

“My thanks go to the Alzheimer’s Society, and in particular to my local Support Worker, whose continued moral support is invaluable.”

More information about the reports is available on the Alzheimer’s Society website. Visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia2014

The charity has also released an interactive infographic to illustrate some of the key findings from the reports. To find out more view www.alzheimers.org.uk/infographic (available from 10 September 2014).