Reporter: Lewis Jones Date online: 07 March 2011

A GOVERNMENT pilot scheme to boost dementia diagnosis has been launched after it was revealed over half of Oldham sufferers are undiagnosed. Latest figures show an estimated 2,318 people with dementia in Oldham, but it is thought that 1,206 are missing out on the right treatment through lack of diagnosis. The Early Signs and Symptoms campaign is being piloted in the North-West and Yorkshire and Humber this month and will involved TV, radio and press advertising to send a clear message that an early diagnosis is key. Dr Mike Cheshire, medical director of NHS North-West, said; “Research has shown that people don’t know enough about dementia to be able to help — recognising the signs and symptoms, talking about it and seeking advice are the crucial steps to receiving a diagnosis. “I would urge people who are worried about dementia symptoms to seek advice from their GP.” An estimated 82,661 people in the North-West alone are sufferers. Experts have warned family and friends to be on the look out for early signs of the degenerative disease that can be delayed with medication and treatment. They include: ::Struggling to remember recent events, although a person can easily recall things that happened in the past. ::Finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV. ::Forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects. ::Difficulty recalling things that have been heard, seen or read. ::Repeating things or losing the thread of what they are saying. ::Problems with thinking and reasoning. ::Feeling anxious, depressed or angry about memory loss. ::Finding that other people start to comment on a person’s memory loss. ::Feeling confused even when in a familiar environment. Care Services Minister Paul Burstow, said: “People are afraid of dementia and rather than face the possibility someone they love has the condition, they can wrongly put memory problems down to ‘senior moments’. “but if you are worried, the sooner you discuss it and help the person seek support the better.”