THE Welsh public backs urgent action on dementia ahead of the Senedd election on May 7, according to new data published today.

An Alzheimer’s Society Cymru survey shows tackling dementia must be placed at the top of the political agenda.

The charity said it was calling on all the political parties for better diagnosis, improved access to treatments and health and social care. 

Gemma Roberts, of Alzheimers Society, said: “Dementia is Wales’s bigger killer and the biggest health and social care challenge of our time.

“If you are living with dementia, or caring for someone who is, share your story with your Senedd candidate.”

More than 80 per cent of those surveyed wanted dementia to be made a healthcare priority with over two-thirds believing it’s currently overlooked and underfunded.

Ensuring an early and accurate diagnosis is a critical concern for more than 90 per cent of people in Wales.

It’s estimated that 51,000 people are living with dementia in Wales, rising to 70,000 by 2040.