NEW research has shown the number of Warrington people aged 65 or over diagnosed with dementia is 1,989 – but that the true figure could be 2,739,00.
The research also suggests that almost a third of people aged 65-plus living with dementia across the North West remain undiagnosed.
In Warrington, the diagnosis rate is estimated to be 72.6 per cent.
The research has been carried out by Mobile Annexe LTD, specialist builders of granny flats and garden lodge.
The company analysed the latest NHS Primary Care Dementia Data to reveal that over 63-thousand patients with dementia aged 65 or over were recorded in the North West, but the estimated number is actually more than 92-thousand.
This means 31.2 per cent of patients across the region remain unrecorded.
Warrington’s diagnosis rate is actually one of the better ones in the North West. In Westmorland and Furness it is only 59.3 per cent and in neighbouring Trafford it is 65.6 per cent.
Best diagnosis rate is at Salford, 80.4 per cent – the only authority in the region to have achieved a diagnosis rate above 80 per cent.
Gary Clayden-Smith from Mobile Annexe LTD. Said: “Each figure in this report represents a person, somebody’s parent, grandparent, friend, colleague, or neighbour, facing the challenges of dementia.
“The fact that the estimates show actual figures are much higher than recorded really highlights the hidden nature of dementia, meaning many people are struggling without a diagnosis and the recognition and support they need.
“It’s a reminder to always check-up on our loved ones, and if they’re showing signs of dementia, like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or struggling to carry out everyday tasks, then please urge them to book an appointment and get checked out.”
