Dementia is already one of the leading causes of death in Wales, with Alzheimer’s Cymru estimating a 37% increase in the number of people living with dementia by 2040. Its impact extends far beyond those diagnosed, placing a heavy emotional and practical burden on friends and loved ones.
A Plaid Cymru government will prioritise earlier diagnosis and better support for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
We will:
- Introduce a national target for initial dementia diagnosis within 12 weeks – with monthly publication of waiting-time data and annual progress reporting.
- Expand diagnostic capacity, and ensure timely access to treatments such as AChE inhibitors where appropriate.
- Work to ensure timely needs assessments and delivery of tailored training for unpaid carers supporting people with dementia.
- Improve access to memory assessments through GP practices for over-70s, supporting earlier detection and timely referral.
- Deliver national awareness campaigns to improve understanding of dementia symptoms and tackle stigma.
- Protect access for identified family carers to health and social care settings, on the same basis as paid health and social care staff.