A POOLE pensioner had to wait two years until he was diagnosed with dementia despite persistent complaints of memory problems to his GP.

New figures released to mark the start of Dementia Action Week from May 16 to 22 have found that of more than 1,000 people with diagnosed dementia, 24 per cent in the south west lived with the condition for more than two years before getting a diagnosis.

It was in 2017 that Jimmy Roscoe, 79 and from Poole, first realised that he was experiencing problems with his memory.

“When it started it was more than the usual forgetting where I had put my keys or phone, or going into a room only to forget what I’d gone in there for,” he said.

“The first time it really became apparent was when I went on a cruise to Barcelona. My job was always to take care of the bookings while my wife did the packing. But on this occasion, as we were boarding the ship, I realised I had absolutely no idea where our boarding passes were, which was most unlike me.”

Convinced he had a memory problem, Jimmy went to see the GP but he wasn’t referred for further tests.

His memory problems persisted however, and it was only after Jimmy became involved with PramaLife, a group of Dorset-based charities that support older people, that he was helped to access a memory clinic.

Bournemouth Echo: Dementia Action Week is from May 16 to 22Dementia Action Week is from May 16 to 22

Two years after initially showing symptoms, Jimmy was diagnosed with dementia following extensive cognitive tests and a brain scan.

Jimmy said: “I don’t blame them personally at all, but I do think that GPs should be provided with more appropriate memory assessment tests.

“Having dementia is not shameful and the earlier you’re diagnosed the better your quality of life.”

In a bid to tackle the problem, Alzheimer’s Society has today launched a new campaign with a new symptom checklist, available on their new online hub.

Dr Jill Rasmussen, clinical representative for dementia at the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “This resource could make a real difference in identifying those people who require referral for a more detailed evaluation and diagnosis of their problems. We’re asking anyone who is worried about possible dementia symptoms to use the checklist and share it with their primary care team”.

There are 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, including 8,020 in Dorset.

Visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss for more information.