Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to improve preventative care pathways for dementia, including enhancing existing NHS health checks to incorporate dementia risk factor assessments and early cognitive screening for individuals over 40.

We recognise the importance of a timely diagnosis and remain committed to increasing diagnosis rates and ensuring that people can access any licensed and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-recommended treatment and/or support they need. The Government is investing in dementia research across all areas, from causes, diagnosis and prevention, to treatment, care, and support, including for carers.

The NHS Health Check, a core component of England’s cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programme, aims to prevent some cases of dementia in eligible people by making them aware that many of the risk factors for CVD are the same as those for dementia, and what is good for the heart is good for the brain. While there are no plans to incorporate early cognitive screening in the NHS Health Check, for those aged 65 to 74 years old, the programme signposts individuals to memory services if appropriate.

Our health system has struggled to support those with complex needs, including those with dementia. Under the 10-Year Plan, those living with dementia will benefit from improved care planning and better services. We will deliver the first ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia to deliver rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. This will be informed by phase one of the independent commission into adult social care, expected in 2026.