This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-21021696
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Belfast has UK's highest dementia diagnosis rate, report says | Belfast has UK's highest dementia diagnosis rate, report says |
(about 1 hour later) | |
By Marie Louise Connolly BBC Northern Ireland health correspondent | By Marie Louise Connolly BBC Northern Ireland health correspondent |
Belfast has the highest diagnosis rate of dementia in the UK, according to new figures released by the Alzheimer's Society. | Belfast has the highest diagnosis rate of dementia in the UK, according to new figures released by the Alzheimer's Society. |
In the past year there has been an increase of 600 patients in Northern Ireland, bringing the total to 11,800. | In the past year there has been an increase of 600 patients in Northern Ireland, bringing the total to 11,800. |
The figures are part of a national report that shows dramatic variations across the UK. | |
They range from a diagnosis rate of 32% in East Riding in Yorkshire to 63% in Northern Ireland. | They range from a diagnosis rate of 32% in East Riding in Yorkshire to 63% in Northern Ireland. |
The UK average is 46%. The diagnosis rate for Belfast is 75.5%. | |
Experts believe that family doctors are now better equipped to spot the signs of dementia. | Experts believe that family doctors are now better equipped to spot the signs of dementia. |
These figures are almost bitter sweet - on the one hand they show a worrying increase in the number of people in Northern Ireland being diagnosed with dementia. | These figures are almost bitter sweet - on the one hand they show a worrying increase in the number of people in Northern Ireland being diagnosed with dementia. |
On the other, they also indicate that the local health trusts are in the top five best areas in the UK for diagnosing the disease. | On the other, they also indicate that the local health trusts are in the top five best areas in the UK for diagnosing the disease. |
While there are now 11,800 men and women with the condition, it is thought that there could be around 7,000 others who have the debilitating illness. | While there are now 11,800 men and women with the condition, it is thought that there could be around 7,000 others who have the debilitating illness. |
The Alzheimer's Society has urged the public to visit their roadshow which starts a tour of Northern Ireland this week. |
Previous version
1
Next version