All GPs to get dementia training, says Phil Hope

All NHS GPs in England are to be trained to spot the early symptoms of dementia, under government plans, the BBC has reported.

Ministers also want to set up “memory clinics” to help the growing number of patients live as normally as possible.

Care services minister Phil Hope, who confirmed the measures in an interview with the Daily Mail, is expected to launch a national dementia strategy next month.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, welcomed the commitment but called on the government to publish its full dementia strategy.

“As the numbers of people with dementia are set to soar, improving the diagnosis of dementia is vitally important,” he said.

“While today’s announcement contains good news, actions speak louder than words and there is an urgent need for investment in dementia to make these plans a reality. The government must publish its full strategy as soon as possible.”

More information

DH: Dementia strategy for England not out until New Year

National Dementia Strategy for England: information from the Alzheimer’s Society