NEARLY 60 per cent of people with dementia in Gloucestershire do not know they have the condition.

That's according to new figures released by the Alzheimer's Society, which also show 40 per cent of the 8,619 sufferers in the county were diagnosed last year.

It was an improvement on previous year's figures for diagnosis, but the charity says it is worried there could be more than 50,000 people in the south west yet to be diagnosed.

It means they will be struggling without any of the benefits, drug treatments and support they could receive.

Sara Kewley, whose father Ray Walters, 64, was diagnosed with dementia seven years ago, knows just how important it is to find out what is wrong with a loved one.

The 38-year-old, from Cirencester, said: "We found out quite quickly but we knew something wasn't right.

"There were little things – he started getting lost when we were out driving and normally he had such a good sense of direction. As a family we saw a big change in him quite quickly.

"It's hugely important to have a diagnosis as you then know what you are dealing with and you know there is a reason for their behaviour. The medication also slows it down."

According to the Alzheimer's Society, 37 per cent of people with the condition have a diagnosis in the south west – an increase of around two per cent in the last year.

Studies show an early diagnosis can save the taxpayer thousands of pounds, because it can delay someone needing care outside their own home.

Debbie Donnison, area manager for the Alzheimer's Society in the south west, said: "It's disturbing that well over half the people who are living with dementia still don't have a diagnosis in the south west and so aren't receiving the support, benefits and the medical treatments that are often available.

"We have seen an increase over the last year, but there is still a long way to go.

"Everyone is a little bit forgetful now and again, but when memory loss starts to interfere with your daily life it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible. The sooner people are diagnosed, the sooner they can get support and start planning for the future."

NHS Gloucestershire said it was pleased diagnosis rates had improved in the last three years.

The health body said it had focused on the area and developed a range of services to support people who either have dementia or are worried about their memory.

A spokeswoman said: "GP training sessions have been held across the county, and community dementia nurses are now working closely with every surgery, helping to ensure that people who may have dementia are being identified and diagnosed earlier and signposted to the right services."

Dementia advisers, jointly commissioned by NHS Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Council and employed by the Alzheimer's Society, are closely linked to all GP practices to provide practical advice, help and support to people who have just been diagnosed.

They can also provide advice and support to carers.

Gloucestershire also has a Memory Assessment Service which provides specialist assessment and treatment to people worried about their memory and their carers.

NHS Gloucestershire says people can refer themselves directly to the service but it is best for them to visit their GP first to rule out other possible causes for memory loss.

Anyone worried about their memory can still call the memory assessment service on 0800 694 8800 or e-mail managingmemory@glos.nhs.uk