NEARLY 2,000 local people could be living with dementia but fewer than 1,000 have received an NHS diagnosis, lower than the national average, according to a new report commissioned by MP Rachel Gilmour.

The report reveals a ‘substantial diagnosis gap’ across the constituency, problems with high-quality community support, and growing pressure on carers.

Mrs Gilmour said: “I have a disproportionate number of elderly constituents who find themselves in very difficult circumstances.

“Those with dementia, or who fear they might have it, are some of the most vulnerable of all.

“I commissioned this report because I wanted to shine a light on what is happening to my constituents and tell the Government exactly what they need.

"Despite being a politician, I am a human being first.

“I dedicate this report to my mother, who lives with dementia."

The report recommends a local support hub, a named care navigator, and more specialist nurses for people living with dementia.

Ms Gilmour has also applied to bring forward a House of Commons Ten Minute Rule Bill on dementia specialist support, in an attempt to turn the report's findings into Parliamentary action.

NHS Digital figures show 849 people in her Tiverton and Minehead constituency are on the dementia register, though Alzheimer's Research UK estimated the true number could be as high as 1,877.

The constituency covers West Somerset and some of the Culm Valley and Blackdown Hills and parishes bordering Wellington.

The report also found rural transport and workforce shortages were stopping people accessing help after diagnosis.

In West Somerset, hospital stays were often in Taunton, 90 minutes away by public transport.

One carer told the report team caring for somebody with dementia felt like ‘doing a nursing role without any training’.

The central recommendations included:

  • A dementia care navigator to provide patients with a single point of contact to connect them to the right support at the right time after diagnosis
  • A dementia hub bringing together advice, signposting activities, and carer support in one place, with GPs able to refer people for specialised help
  • More specialist nurses and dementia training commissioned locally as Dementia UK works toward a national target of 1,000 by 2030, up from 476

The report also cited the Oxleas Advanced Dementia Service, which claimed emergency hospital admissions avoided through a named care co-ordinator could save £10,983 per patient.

It also called for better rural transport, including a possible subsidised taxi scheme, wider access to respite care for carers, and more meaningful activities for people living with dementia themselves.

Home Instead managing director Kirsty Cambridge said: "This great report highlights the real challenges families living with dementia face every day.

“These include delays in diagnosis, poor signposting after diagnosis, and the enormous pressure on unpaid carers.

“These are practical, compassionate steps that will help families feel less alone, access the support thatthey need sooner, and keep people with dementia living well and safely in the communities they know and love."