Commenting on the announcement that funding for dementia research is set to increase, Dr Linda Patterson, Royal College of Physicians clinical vice-president said:
Dementia is a particularly cruel condition, as in addition to the harm it causes to the individual, it slowly robs family and friends of their loved one, often at a time when they should be enjoying the later stages of their life and retirement. We are encouraged that the Prime Minister has taken a personal interest in improving early diagnosis and treatment for dementia. The Royal College of Physicians, as a body with responsibility for education and training for hospital doctors, can contribute to this in several ways:
- by improving knowledge and awareness of dementia and its treatment for all doctors
- by working with GPs and psychiatrists towards providing seamless care for dementia patients across primary, secondary, and social care
- by emphasising the need for appropriate and continuous communication between healthcare staff, patients, families and carers during this difficult time.
'We look forward to working with other medical Royal colleges and organisations to meet the dementia challenge.’
For further information, please contact Andrew McCracken, RCP Communications and New Media Adviser, on +44 (0)203 075 1354 / 07990 745 608, or email andrew.mccracken@rcplondon.ac.uk