Written question asked by Lord Kamall (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Speech and Language Therapy: Dementia

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of speech and language therapy in the (1) diagnosis, and (2) treatment, of rare dementias.

Answer: NHS England does not have specific guidance on the use of speech and language therapy for individual dementia subtypes. Similarly, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on dementia does not make any recommendations regarding the provision of speech and language therapy for people based on dementia subtype. Referral to appropriate specialist services including speech and language therapy should be undertaken according to individual clinical presentation and need, clinical judgement, and in line with local pathways.

Secondary information