A CHARITY has highlighted the ‘huge impact’ that dementia is having across East Lancashire, with nearly 6,300 people now suffering from the condition.

Data released by the Alzeimer’s Society suggested the number of dementia pat-ients has increased slightly since 2006, from about 6,170, but the charity said the numbers are set to increase significantly in the coming years as the population becomes older.

Deborah Parker, operations manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Lancashire, said: “There are effectively 20,000 people living with dementia in Lancashire, including those with the condition, and the many more friends and family also affected by the condition – it is vital the government takes action.

“We know that parts of Lancashire are leading the way as some of the best performing areas for support after diag-nosis.

“However, despite good progress, today’s research high-lights the huge financial and human impact dementia is having.

“In the UK, one person develops dementia every three minutes. We must do more to ensure that everyone living with dementia gets the care and support they need.”

It said despite the huge costs of £26 billion a year – two-thirds of which is shouldered by people with dementia, their carers and families – tens of thousands of sufferers are still living without the right support to do everyday tasks like getting dressed, eating and going to the toilet.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the government was prioritising dementia care, pointing out the Prime Min-ister’s dementia challenge was launched in 2012 to help improve care and research.

Since it was launched diagnosis rates have started to rise, while investment has been made in services such as memory clinics.