To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, given that there are over 7,000 people living with undiagnosed dementia, what steps his Department is taking to increase awareness of the need for early diagnosis.

The regional strategy “Improving Dementia Services in Northern Ireland” launched in November 2011 recognised the importance of early diagnosis. Recurrent investment over the past two years has led to the enhancement of memory services, and their development where none existed previously.

Criteria and protocols have been developed for referrals into memory services and work is ongoing to achieve timely assessment and diagnosis. Work is also in progress with GPs to enhance referrals to memory clinics.

All five Trusts are committed to providing timely diagnosis, and services are being developed to include pre and post diagnostic counselling, comprehensive assessment, support and education, which in turn will lead to improved diagnosis rates and uptake of early intervention supports.

Over the next 3 years, in addition to those plans already in place, the Dementia Strategy Implementation Group will focus on the key target areas of (i) awareness raising, information and support, (ii) training and (iii) short-breaks, respite and support to carers.