MORE than 1,300 people in Halton have dementia, according to latest estimates.

Around 420 of those remain undiagnosed.

That’s according to the Alzheimer’s Society, and the group says that diagnoses are at a five-year low after the pandemic.

Halton’s rate of diagnosis – according to these estimates – is 69.4 per cent, which is above the 66.7 per cent NHS England diagnosis target.

Runcorn and Widnes World: Mike Amesbury MP pledged support for Alzheimer's SocietyMike Amesbury MP pledged support for Alzheimer's Society (Image: Mike Amesbury MP)

The statistics also highlight that nearly 2,000 people across Cheshire West and Chester have been living with undiagnosed dementia, therefore not receiving the help they need.

As a whole, there are around 5,100 people in Cheshire West and Chester with dementia – both diagnosed and undiagnosed – which means the county as a whole has a diagnosis rate of 62 per cent, which is below the NHS England target.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury said: “I pledged to support Alzheimer’s Society in their drive to make sure everyone with dementia gets the diagnosis they need.

“One in four people have battled dementia symptoms for over two years before getting a diagnosis.

“If you are worried that you or a loved one may have dementia, you should contact Alzheimer’s Society for advice and support.”

James White, head of public affairs and campaigns at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We thank Mike Amesbury MP for engaging with us and showing his support.

“Asking the same question over and over again is not called getting old, it’s called getting ill.

“We know getting a dementia diagnosis can be daunting, but we want everyone to be able to understand and recognise potential dementia symptoms, feel empowered to take the next steps, and come to Alzheimer’s Society for support.

“National diagnosis rates are currently at a five-year low, meaning it’s vital that we do everything we can to get people diagnosed so they can get treatment and support.”