Diagnoses for mixed dementia has almost doubled at a centre in Bury in the last year, NHS figures have found.

Dementia data released by NHS Digital reveals an overwhelming increase in cases diagnosed at Townside Primary Care Centre in Bury where more than one type of dementia was present.

The statistics from the Knowsley Place site shows mixed dementia diagnoses has increased from 100 cases to 195 in the space of 12 months.

Overall dementia diagnoses at the centre has increased incrementally despite a decline in patients receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease alone.

April 2023 saw 850 cases of Alzheimer’s diagnosed at Townside, falling to 790 cases by April this year, an eight per cent fall.

The total number of dementia diagnoses in Bury in the last 12 months was 24,125 with more than 10,000 cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

Overall, Bury had one of the lowest dementia diagnoses in Greater Manchester alongside Rochdale and Tameside, which had less than 24,000 each.

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing, said: “The [total] numbers diagnosed remain roughly static.

"As the population ages it becomes more common to see two dementias present, for example Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia or Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

“It’s good to see Bury’s diagnosis rate remaining higher than national averages which means we are identifying more of our population and so many care plans are in place.”

The Alzheimer’s Society reports that one in three people in the UK living with dementia do not have a diagnosis despite 91 per cent of people affected seeing the benefit of being diagnosed.

Platinum Care, which provides home care services in Bury, says the increase in mixed dementia diagnoses could be due to a significant rise in cases or better diagnosis practice.

It believes the fall in Alzheimer’s diagnoses may appear positive but could be a correction for previous misdiagnoses now presenting as mixed dementia.

A spokesperson said: “Dementia cases overall are certainly rising in Bury, with an increased number of referrals particularly when compared against other illnesses.

“[Dementia] requires a specialist care team to support an individual.

"Keeping people active, helping them maintain brain function and motor skills requires much more than a 15-minute pop-in for medication.

“Unfortunately, local authority budget cuts are limiting the quality care required to support people to maintain their independence and often these people spend more time in hospitals.”

The NHS website states that although there is no cure for dementia, an early diagnosis means its progress can be slowed down in some cases so individuals may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.

Townside Primary Care Centre was approached for a comment about the figures.

If you have been affected by dementia you can visit nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/care-and-support/help-and-support/