THIS week marks the Alzheimer’s Society’s annual ‘Dementia Awareness Week’, and although these days, the calendar is jampacked with various events highlighting worthy causes – raising dementia awareness is particularly important, because so many people with dementia have never actually received a proper diagnosis.

In fact, it’s estimated that there are 27,000 people inWales with undiagnosed dementia – a staggering 60% of the 43,000 inWales who’re living with the condition.

Although it’s a UK-wide problem, it’s a particularly acute issue here inWales, where only 38.5% of dementia is diagnosed. This is up from 37.4% in 2011, but rates are as low as 32% in some places, and we’re well behind Northern Ireland and Scotland, where the figures are 63% and 64.4% respectively.

Across Gwent as a whole, there are 7,547 people with dementia, and with the population living longer, this figure is predicted to rise to over 9,500 by 2021.

Although there are many barriers that prevent people accessing a diagnosis for the dementia, fear is a major factor. A You Gov survey published in 2011 found that 63% of the population worry about dementia, that’s more than any other health issue – including cancer – and there’s clearly still a tremendous amount of work to be done, tackling that stigma and lack of understanding.

Although a diagnosis can sometimes be devastating for an individual and their family and friends, it can also help provide a sense of relief: allowing people to better understand the changes that are happening to them, to take control, and make plans for the future and changes in their lives that make it easier for them, and those around them, to cope.

Although there is sadly no cure for dementia, there are increasingly drug therapies and psychological treatments that can make a real difference, and it’s also important to ensure those living with dementia have information and advice about local services and support that may be available.

Although it won’t be for everyone, I know that in Torfaen, for example, there are befriending groups and activity groups, as well as specialist services for young people living with dementia.

If you are worried about dementia, the advice from the Alzheimer’s Society is to contact your GP without delay; Torfaen residents wanting more information and support can also contact the Alzheimer’s Society local office on (01495)768627, and those outside the area can contact the National Dementia Helpline on (0300) 2221122.