BRADFORD is one of the top spots in the country for diagnosing people with dementia, according to The Alzheimers Society.

The charity’s Bradford branch works closely with the area’s health and social services and says out of the estimated 5,000 people estimated to be living with dementia in the city, about half of them have been referred to it for advice and support over the last four years.

In the next four or five years, Paul Smithson who is the charity’s services manager in the city said he hopes the number of referrals will reach 100 per cent.

The diagnosis rate in the city of people believed to have some form of dementia is 79 per cent which is high compared to other parts of the country, the rate in Cornwall is about 50 per cent, said Mr Smithson.

“Bradford is an incredibly pro-active area when it comes to prevention, diagnosis and people living and dying well and we aim to be even more proactive in these areas over the next few years,” he said.

The Alzheimers Society revealed its new five year strategy in April, including a new logo.

Its New Deal on Dementia sets out to make sure no one has to face dementia alone, it wants to make dementia mainstream so more people can live in supportive communities and to invest more money into pioneering research all with the help of volunteers, employees and supporters.

One new service already started across the district is Side By Side, helping people with dementia continue taking part in activities they enjoy.

The Alzheimers Society is looking for volunteers to help with the scheme across Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale. It is hoped the scheme will be rolled out across the country including Bradford in the future.

Kate Woodfield, who is co-ordinating the service locally, said: “The focus is on enabling people with dementia to lead more fulfilling lives and to continue to take part in the activities they have always enjoyed – and try new ones.

“We need more volunteers in Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale to help people with dementia to stay connected and reduce the loneliness that may be felt after a diagnosis.

“By doing things like going for a walk, attending a football match or joining a local class together, our volunteers support people to take up hobbies and get out and about. What they do together is entirely based on what the person with dementia wants.”

E-mail sidebysideacw@alzheimers.org.uk or call 01274 586008 to find out more.