Concern dementia sufferers being ignored

There are concerns one group of dementia sufferers is being overlooked.

It comes as a new World Health Organisation report suggests the number of people living with dementia is set to double every 20 years.

In New Zealand, 44,000 people are currently living with dementia.

Caughey Preston Trust Rest Homes general manager Gloria Budgen says there's an alarming number of people under 65 being diagnosed with early onset dementia.

"Those diagnosed with dementia over the age of 65 who meet the criteria for residential care are able to be supported and cared for and nurtured within the residential age care sector."

Ms Budgen says people diagnosed with early onset dementia are unable to get the same support.

She says it's not just the Government's responsibility.

"You're looking at specialised organisations, not only those who are working with difference age groups of people within the community, you're looking at both social and health service organisations."

Ms Budgen says dementia is a very broad reaching issue with both health and social impacts.

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