Dementia sufferers in Norfolk and Waveney have experienced a boost in their standard of care, according to a report published today (October 5).

The annual report from the Norfolk Joint Dementia Strategy has revealed improvements in personalised dementia care, the level of support provided to home carers, as well as a reduction in the number of people being admitted to hospital.

It comes after the introduction of dementia intensive support teams (DIST), which work in hospitals, and the community, to reduce the number of hospital admissions and the length of stays in inpatient wards.

The report, published by NHS Norfolk and Waveney and Norfolk Adult Community Services, also outlines future plans to find people with dementia earlier.

Maggie Wheeler, chairman of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, has witnessed dramatic improvements. She said: 'The progress of the care for people suffering with dementia in Norfolk has moved forward dramatically in the last year.

'We now have one of the best dementia intensive care units in the country and the only team dedicated to dementia care training. DIST helps people to be looked after in their own homes for as long as possible, although early diagnosis is essential in order for this to happen.'

Norfolk and Waveney has a significantly older population than the national average. It is estimated that across the country one in four people aged over 85 will develop dementia.

Stephen McCormack, commissioning manager for mental health and learning disabilities at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: 'Anyone experiencing unexplained memory loss or confusion should visit their GP to get it checked out.'