Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
11 November 2016 00:00
People suspected of suffering dementia are referred by their GP
It takes longer to diagnose memory problems in a patient than the current 10-minute slot for a GP appointment, experts have warned.
The call comes after researchers suggested the 10-minute appointments could be having a negative impact on dementia diagnosis figures.
The number of people diagnosed with dementia rose in 2015, however it was still below Government targets, according to a team at Imperial College London.
Ministers have pledged to diagnose 75% of the population living with the condition by 2017 but the figure for formal diagnoses in 2015 stood at 62%.
Researchers at Imperial called for an 'urgent review' into how patients are assessed for referral.
People suspected of suffering dementia are referred by their GP to a memory clinic for a formal diagnosis to be made. But the GP must first carry out a series of tests.
They say 10 minutes is not enough time for a general practice doctor to assess a patient for memory problems, citing the complex criteria that needs to be met before making a referral.
A leading dementia expert also questioned the practicality of trying to diagnose during a single GP appointment.
George McNamara, head of policy at the Alzheimer's Society, said: "The condition can be incredibly complex to diagnose, potentially requiring multiple tests and assessments - it would be rare for a diagnosis to be made in one 10-minute visit to the GP."
Dementia affects 850,000 people in the UK. You can arrange Alzheimer's travel insurance if you're planning a holiday with someone who suffers with the condition.
The study was published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
https://www.world-first.co.uk/home/travel-insurance/medical-problems/alzheimers.aspx (Alzheimer's travel insurance)
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
[more...]
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.
30 October 2019
What quirky customs await you on your travels this Halloween?
Look past the petrifying and discover a side to the Romanian region you never knew...
14 October 2019
Bucharest is the jewel of the Balkans crown - explore the city to find a host of hidden gems.
At the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe lies a country with a story to tell. Check out these must-see sites in Croatia to learn more.
07 October 2019
With Halloween on the horizon we look for destinations across the globe with a decidedly mysterious appeal...
What should you eat in Croatia? Good question. Unrumble that tummy with our rundown of our favourite Croat cuisine.
Where's the best beach in Croatia? We answer that question and more as we look at the Adriatic beaches you won't want to miss out on...