Fresh concern over dementia 'epidemic'

Dementia is a hidden epidemic across the Black Country and Staffordshire with thousands of elderly people suffering without help, it has been revealed.

In the Black Country alone, it is estimated over 13,400 people have dementia – but more than 8,000 of those cases are going undiagnosed. Health chiefs want more awareness.

The total number of people in Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall living with dementia is expected to reach over 17,000 by 2021.

In South Staffordshire more than 7,500 people are thought to be living with dementia, with more than 4,000 having no diagnosis.

A campaign is now being launch to focus both on the condition and how important early diagnosis can be.

For further information on the symptoms and the support available visit www.nhs.uk/dementia