Call to screen all over-75s for dementia

Everyone over the age of 75 should be screened for signs of dementia to ensure they get the right treatment and support, the Alzheimer's Society said today.

Its director of research Professor Clive Ballard said fewer than half of the estimated 750,000 dementia sufferers receive a diagnosis of the illness, and many are not getting new medications.

But Professor Tim Kendal, who helped draw up NHS guidance on dementia, believes universal screening may increase anxiety while placing an additional burden on resources.

He suggested targeted checks on older people admitted to hospital for other reasons may be more effective.