Dementia advisers to give support

Dementia advisers will provide support for patients in Norfolk under a new health project.

The pilot scheme by the county council, NHS Norfolk and the Alzheimer's Society has been awarded £207,000 by the Department of Health.

About 13,500 people have the condition but only 4,918 are on dementia registers, the county council said.

It hopes the project will boost early diagnosis by encouraging people to seek advice from their GP.

Five advisers based across Norfolk will offer help to up to 500 people with the condition.

David Harwood, cabinet member for adult social services at the county council, said the advisors will promote independence and well being.

"There will be an inevitable increase in cases of dementia, particularly in areas such as Norfolk where there is a large proportion of older people," he added.

The Alzheimer's Society said Norfolk was one of the first locations in the country to have dementia advisors.