Written question asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 July 2025. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Dementia: Diagnosis

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve early and accurate dementia diagnosis as part of the 10 Year Health Plan.

Answer

Our health system has struggled to support those with complex needs, including those with dementia. Under the 10-Year Health Plan, those living with dementia will benefit from improved care planning and better services.

We recognise the importance of a timely diagnosis and remain committed to increasing diagnosis rates. The Government’s Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme has already invested £13 million into a range of biomarker innovation projects, which include a broad range of biomarker technologies, ranging from an artificial intelligence tool designed to improve the accuracy of blood tests for dementia, to using retinal scans to detect early-onset dementia decades before symptoms. Some of these innovations could support improved diagnosis in the future, if validated for clinical use.

We will deliver the first ever Modern Service framework for Frailty and Dementia to deliver rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, expected in 2026.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL8863
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Dementia Diagnosis
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Dementia: Diagnosis

Secondary information

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