BARNSLEY East MP Stephanie Peacock attended a Parliamentary drop-in hosted by the Alzheimer’s Society.
As part of Dementia Action Week, which ended on Sunday, Stephanie - who is a patron at charity BIADS - spoke out in a bid to improve diagnosis rates.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and one in three people born today will develop the condition.
She said: “With more than a third of people living with dementia still without a diagnosis, it is vital that we drive up diagnosis rates in Barnsley East and across the UK.
“Everyone living with dementia deserves an early diagnosis and to know what type they have, to allow them to access the treatment and support they deserve.
“Thousands of people are facing the realities of dementia alone, without access to the vital care and support that a diagnosis can bring.
“Early diagnosis is crucial to manage dementia symptoms and avoid ending up in crisis.”
Fiona Carragher, director of research and influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, added: “Getting a dementia diagnosis can be daunting, but we believe it’s better to know.
“Nine out of ten people with dementia told us they benefitted from receiving a diagnosis as it unlocked treatment and support.
“We thank Stephanie for attending our drop-in and showing her support for Dementia Action Week.
“If we don’t address diagnosis, we have no hope of addressing the major dementia challenges we are faced with now and in the future.”
