Oldham MP hosts Parliamentary event to mark Dementia Action Week
Date published: 19 May 2023
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams (centre) is pictured at the Dementia Action Week event
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams, who serves as Co-Chair of the all party group on Dementia, hosted an event in Parliament as part of Dementia Action Week.
The event saw over 150 Members of Parliament from across political parties join Dame Arlene Philips to promote timely diagnosis, which is the theme of this year’s Dementia Action Week.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, diagnosis rates for dementia dropped to a five year low but we know that to get the benefits from recent breakthrough Alzheimer’s drugs, lecanemab and donanemab, early diagnosis is essential.
Ms Abrahams said: “I was delighted to host an event in Parliament to mark this year’s Dementia Action Week.
“We need to continue to do more to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis of all forms of dementia.
“We know there are 2,313 people in Oldham East and Saddleworth living with dementia, but just 1,660 have a diagnosis.
"We’re above the national rate of diagnosis but could be even higher.
"Everyone living with dementia deserves an accurate, timely, and high-quality dementia diagnosis so they can access vital care and support, and plan for their future.
“As the MP and the Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia, I will continue to do what I can to raise awareness and demand that the Government fulfil their promises on doubling research funding and to ensure dementia is a focus in their Major Conditions Strategy.
“I will also continue my campaign for a Dementia Friendly Oldham, so that people living with dementia in Oldham and Saddleworth and their carers receive the support they need.”
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