New research from the Alzheimer's Society has produced figures which show that doctors are failing to identify dementia in 60% of sufferers.

The society estimates that approximately 766,000 in Britain suffer from some form of dementia but less than half, 311,000, have actually received a diagnosis leaving many more unable to access suitable assistance, especially frustrating as it is commonly believed that, while there is no cure for the condition, early diagnosis can improve the person's quality of life and can delay the time when they start needing constant care.

Separate figures have been released which serve to emphasise the importance of early diagnosis. Researchers from the King's College London, working for the group Alzheimer's Disease International, estimate that spotting the disease early could save the NHS as much as £3bn as there would be a saving of up to £6,125 per sufferer. The experts say that the savings can be explained by the fact that those without a dementia diagnosis are left in hospitals for longer, with many then placed into care homes.

The Alzheimer's Society says that doctors may feel inhibited from giving a suitable diagnosis because they assume that nothing can be done and they are reluctant to alarm the patient, however its chief executive, Jeremy Hughes, says that decisive action is needed and that campaigners were working with GPs to try and improve their awareness and understanding of the disease.