ABSTRACT
In the decade since working with dementia was published, there have been dramatic changes in public and professional attitudes to dementia and its treatment. Specific medical developments have taken place in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia, and new drugs are available for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Dementia drug costs and the associated services for diagnosing, monitoring and supporting people have not been funded by health authorities in the UK. Despite the ageing of the population and the rise in expectations for high quality treatment, in reality services have been provided in an increasingly fragmented way. The assessment and care needs of people from black and minority ethnic communities are still not adequately addressed. The numbers of younger people with dementia are small, and dedicated services appropriate to their age and needs are not widespread. In the face of a potentially devastating disease, there is the possibility of drug treatment that may reduce the most negative symptoms of dementia.
