Dickson Expresses His Support for Dementia Action Week

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has shown his support for Dementia Action Week, and called for better care and support for people with dementia.

Led by the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Action Week, brings the public together to take action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

Mr Dickson commented: “Dementia impacts the everyday lives of thousands of people across Northern Ireland. The challenges faced can be immense, and the Covid-19 Pandemic has had a further huge impact on people with dementia, with sadly a third of all those dying from Covid-19 also having dementia.

“The level of support provided by the healthcare system has also been majorly affected. The number of people waiting over nine weeks for a dementia diagnosis has tripled in the last year. A lack of timely care and support is a major issue, as almost 40% of emergency admissions for over-65s with dementia were avoidable.

“We can, and must, do much better to provide high quality diagnosis and quick access to the care that people need, and I will be pressing the Health Minister to make sure that this is a key priority going forward.”