THE Alzheimer’s Society found there to be 6,215 people currently living in Gwent with dementia.
Broken down, this means there are 869 people in Blaenau Gwent, 1,669 in Caerphilly, 1,013 in Monmouthshire, 1,558 in Newport and 1,106 in Torfaen.
Don Touhig, MP for Islwyn, said dementia costs the economy more than £14 billion each year and the figure is set to raise as the number of dementia sufferers increases.
He said he is visited by many constituents who are carers and who have had to fight for support.
The MP, who is to stand down in May’s election, said society is lucky to have some organisations which give support but said more support is needed because people are living longer and the best way of giving this is in their own homes.
Mr Touhig said a major reform is needed and thinks this should involve carers being able to get a pension.
He also said there needs to be much more extensive respite support and this should be provided by the state.
Health Minister Edwina Hart announced plans to improve the support and care for people and their individuals living with dementia.
A Dementia Action Plan was developed by the director of Alzheimer’s Society Ian Thomas and this was issued in November for a 12 week consultation.
