3400 with dementia in Essex as council announce "specialised approach" for support
"Dementia is the fastest-growing condition in the county", according to an Essex councillor
Last updated 4th Mar 2025
A specialised approach for people and families living with dementia in Essex has been agreed at a cabinet meeting on 25 February, as new figures show 3,400 live with the illness across the county.
Essex County Council has agreed that procurement for the future core countywide support service will begin, which will see a specialised approach that will help families find the right information at the right time.
It will also connect them to support from Adult Social Care and support in their local communities.
Of the Essex residents supported by Adult Social Care (ASC):
· 3,400 people have a diagnosis of dementia.
· A further 2,583 people have a case note that references cognitive memory impairment.
· This equates to 38% of those supported in Adult Social Care having some level of cognitive need with 27% specifically diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer’s.
More than one in three of people that the council supports through Adult Social Care have some level of cognitive need.
Nationally the number of people living with the condition is projected to increase rapidly but with no clinical treatment to prevent, slow or cure the underlying diseases, it is the leading cause of death in England.
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration said: “Dementia is the fastest-growing condition in the county. We are absolutely committed to meeting the needs of those living with dementia.
"This new approach is about moving services closer to those who need them, and in closer alignment with other local care providers; shaping our services for the needs of our communities today and tomorrow.”
The service is set to proceed from October 2025 and will be delivered on a countywide basis.