With dementia forecast to double or triple the current 700,000 cases over the next few years, every GP is to be trained to recognise the first symptoms of the condition.
The government is to set up “memory clinics” in every town to provide treatment and support for patients to live as normally as possible, care services minister Phil Hope has said.
As part of a national dementia strategy, scheduled to be launched next month, ministers hope the training and clinics may also save nearly £1bn.
He said: “We want to see every GP trained to recognise the symptoms of early dementia and patients referred to specialist services in every area where they would get a proper diagnosis.
“As well as national training for GPs, we’d like to see memory clinics in every town where people can go for treatment and support to help them live their life as normally as possible.”
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “The Department of Health will work with all relevant medical and nursing organisations to make sure that appropriate training is provided for medical students, and we will create opportunities for postgraduate education and training in dementia.”
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