by Half a million people have received a dementia diagnosis on the NHS, as figures show.
NHS numbers published this week show that 506,549 people have received a formal dementia diagnosis compared to 490.163 last year, said NHS England.
NHS hospitals are now using technology to live people with dementia in their houses.
The Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has launched a new home surveillance service entitled MinderCare in order to recognize signs of changes in health needs and possibly reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
The devices that include sensors on bed mattresses, household appliances and doors can pursue clinical teams whether a patient still manages his daily routine and reacts well to medication and signs of potential infections.
Family members report that the new devices have calmed down if they leave their relatives alone and mean that signs of deterioration can be discovered and the care plans are optimized, said NHS England.
National, the NHS offers nursing plans or reviews and medication ratings with 330,460 people who receive the latter to the former and 114,447 last year.
Jeremy Isaacs, National Clinical Director for Dementia, NHS England, said: “Thanks to patients and families and the hard work of the NHS employees, we have more than half a million people in whom dementia was diagnosed, many of whom live in their own houses with the support of family and friends.
“MinderCare is a great example of the NHS, the most modern technology truits to help more people live safely in their own houses.
“When families collect for the first time in months on this holiday weekend, it is an opportunity to recognize the signs of dementia.
“There are many reasons why people could be forgetful or absent, but it could be the sign that something is wrong.
“Topics that may not have been obvious, such as forgetfulness, difficulties in plans or problems with word finding, can be easier to see when families or friends across the country come together over a longer period of time.
“Getting the diagnosis of dementia is the first step to support people with a variety of NHS services that can help.
“If you have noticed that someone has symptoms, please encourage him to visit his family doctor for an assessment – the earlier someone is seen, the faster the NHS can help.”
Kieran Winterburn, head of the national influence of the Alzheimer Society, said: “A third of the people who live in England are not diagnosed.
“We understand that dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but we believe that it is better to know it.
