The Alzheimer’s Society has called on the government to publish its delayed dementia strategy following the announcement that all NHS GPs will be trained to spot the disease.

The charity has welcomed the plans, outlined by care services minister Phil Hope, but wants more details on how the scheme will be funded.

The Department of Health’s dementia strategy was expected to be published in the autumn but is now not expected until early next year.

Alzheimer’s Society chief executive Neil Hunt said: “Whilst today’s announcement contains good news, actions speak louder than words and there is an urgent need for investment in dementia to make these plans a reality.

“The government must publish its full strategy as soon as possible.

“The half a million people with dementia living in England and their families have been waiting anxiously for a strategy that promises great change.”

One in three people over 65 will die with dementia yet the UK is currently in the bottom third of Europe for dementia care, he said.

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