Thousands could have dementia in Black Country borough, according to professor
Thousands of people could be undiagnosed with dementia in a Black Country borough, a professor has warned.
More than 3,700 people have been diagnosed with the disease in Sandwell and West Birmingham - but the true number could closer to 6,000.
Professor Nick Harding, chairman of Sandwell and West Birmingham's clinical commission group, made the revelation as part of Dementia Action Week 2019.
"Currently in Sandwell and West Birmingham more than 3,700 people have been diagnosed with dementia illnesses, but we believe approaching 6,000 people could be suffering with dementia and we are therefore committed to improving diagnosis rates, and the support offered."
Diagnosis rates for dementia in Sandwell are below the national average, according to latest figures from the CCG.
In September, the diagnosis rate for patients was 61.8 per cent. However the national average is 68.2 per cent. Sandwell has set a diagnosis target of 66.7 per cent.
A CCG spokesman said: "The CCG recognises that work needs to be done to improve the dementia diagnosis rates in line with national figures."
