The number of people formally diagnosed with dementia on the NHS has reached a record high of more than half a million, according to the latest figures.
Data published by NHS England this week shows 506,549 people have received a confirmed dementia diagnosis, up from 490,163 at the same point last year.
To support patients, NHS hospitals are introducing new technologies aimed at helping people with dementia remain safe at home. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has rolled out MinderCare, an at-home monitoring service designed to identify changes in a patient’s health needs and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
The system uses discreet sensors placed on mattresses, appliances, and doorways, enabling clinicians to track whether patients are managing their daily routines, taking medication as prescribed, and showing any early signs of infection. Families report the technology offers reassurance and ensures care plans can be adjusted promptly when health deteriorates.
Over the past year, the NHS has provided 330,460 people with care plan reviews and 114,447 with medication reviews.
Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England’s national clinical director for dementia, welcomed the progress:
“Thanks to patients and families coming forward, and the hard work of NHS staff, we now have a record half a million people diagnosed with dementia. Many continue to live in their own homes with the support of family and friends,” he said.
He added that MinderCare represents “a great example of the NHS trialling cutting-edge technology to help more people live safely at home.” Isaacs also encouraged families gathering over the bank holiday weekend to be mindful of potential symptoms, such as persistent forgetfulness, difficulty making plans, or word-finding problems, and to seek medical advice if concerns arise.
Kieran Winterburn, head of national influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, said early diagnosis is key to managing dementia effectively:
“A third of people living with dementia in England remain undiagnosed. While a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, it unlocks crucial access to care, support, and treatment that can help people avoid reaching crisis point.”
Winterburn called for bold investment in both diagnostic tools and frontline staff, alongside continued support for innovative technologies such as MinderCare. Alzheimer’s Society also encourages people worried about symptoms to use its dementia symptoms checklist to help guide conversations with GPs.
The MinderCare programme, funded by the medical research charity LifeArc, aims to enrol 100 patients by September 2025 as part of a study assessing its feasibility for wider use across north-west London.
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