HC Deb 14 July 1998 vol 316 cc156-7W
Mr. Coaker

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on trends in the number of those suffering from dementia sectioned under Mental Health legislation in the last 10 years. [50231]

Ms Jowell

Information available centrally on patients admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983 identifies the category of disorder, as specified in the Act. These categories are mental illness, psychopathic disorder, mental impairment and severe mental impairment. No further breakdown is available.

Mr. Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current estimate of the number of people suffering from dementia in England. [50204]

Ms Jowell

It is currently estimated that there are 620,000 people suffering from dementia in England.