5. Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Dementia

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:16 pm on 29 September 2021.

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Photo of Jane Dodds Jane Dodds Liberal Democrat 4:16, 29 September 2021

Clearly, there is real resonance across the Chamber in term of what people are saying. I've been here with my pen, actually, striking out quite a bit of what I'm going to say, you'll be very pleased to hear, Dirprwy Lywydd. I also want to acknowledge that many of us in this Senedd have been directly affected by dementia. My mother actually died of dementia and my father died of Alzheimer's. I want to pay tribute to all of those who cared for all of our family, and my mum and dad, up in north Wales; thank you—diolch yn fawr iawn ichi gyd.

It is extremely complex, attempting to reduce the number of cases of dementia. Many of them are undiagnosed, due to those challenges right now as well in COVID, so I do welcome this debate that, Luke, you've brought forward—thank you—as an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to this important issue.

I would also welcome clarification from the Deputy Minister, as has been said, as to whether the further dementia action plan will be extended beyond 2022, and look forward to that, as has been said, being more ambitious, in terms of focused improvement in dementia care in Wales.

I want to say a little bit as well about dementia in rural areas. Support in rural areas for dementia is particularly challenging.