8 August 2007

Communication must be at centre of new dementia strategy

For immediate release. Page one of two

The Government's new National Dementia Strategy must recognise the devastating effects dementia has on an individual's ability to communicate, and must prioritise communication support, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) says.

According to the RCSLT, the underlying feature of dementia is the loss of communication. This affects individuals' self worth, their ability to make choices and their ability to remain independent at home.

The RCSLT welcomes the decision to broadcast the documentary Malcolm and Barbara: Love's Farewell (ITV1, Wednesday 8 August, 9pm). This powerful programme shows very graphically that the loss of communication for a person with dementia is very distressing for both the individual and their family.

Speech and language therapists work with people with dementia to empower them to use their remaining communication skills to stay independent and active in the community for longer. They also work with their families to help them understand and adapt to changing communication needs.

Currently, access to speech and language therapy services is very limited. Many people in the UK are denied access to essential speech and language therapy to help them with their communication difficulties.

RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok says, "All people with dementia and their families have a right to speech and language therapy, which will enable them to remain independent in their community, maintain their dignity and self-respect.

"We hope the new National Dementia Strategy will reinforce the importance of maintaining communication in dementia and highlight the impact of the loss of this basic function on the lives of people with dementia and their families."

The RCSLT hopes the documentary and the forthcoming National Dementia Strategy will allow the serious issues that arise with dementia to be debated. It urges Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis to ensure communication receives it rightful place at the centre of the new dementia strategy.

Ends

Notes for editors:

  • Dementia currently affects over 750,000 people in the UK.
  • It is estimated that by 2010 there will be over 840,000 people with dementia in the UK - a rise of 12%. This will soar to 1.5 million people by 2050.
  • Dementia affects one person in 20 over 65 years and one person in five over 80 years of age. Over 18,000 people aged under 65 years are affected by dementia in the UK.
  • The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK and has over 13,000 members. It is responsible for setting, promoting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct. Visit: www.rcslt.org
  • For more information contact Steven Harulow, RCSLT Communications Manager, tel: 020 7378 3004, mobile, email: steven.harulow@rcslt.org

For more information contact Steven Harulow, email: steven.harulow@rcslt.org tel: 020 7378 3004