MORE than 6,100 people are estimated to be living with undiagnosed dementia in south east and south west Essex.

Only a third of local people who suffer from the disease are aware they have it and diagnosis rates for the two areas are among the lowest in the UK.

The number of people with dementia could also rise by about 35 per cent over the next ten years, according to estimates by the Alzheimer’s Society.

In south east Essex, which includes Castle Point, Rochford and Southend, there are 4,946 people estimated to have dementia and 3,241 of them are undiagnosed.

If diagnosis rates don’t improve by 2021, there are expected to be 6,675 dementia sufferers in the area, including 4,374 without a diagnosis.

In south west Essex, which includes Basildon, Thurrock and Brentwood, there are estimated to be 4,548 dementia sufferers, with 2,888 of them undiagnosed.

By 2021, there are expected to be 6,122 dementia sufferers in the area, including 3,888 without a diagnosis.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, described the figures as “extremely concerning”.

He said: “A formal diagnosis is vital for people with dementia and without it they can’t access drugs or advice on how to live more effectively with the condition.”

Gary Blatch, dementia strategy manager at South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said it had introduced several schemes that have succesfully increased diagnosis numbers.

He added: “Making contact with services wherever you live in south Essex is simple, call us on 01268 739116.

“Our teams offer information and advice and arrange for assessment and diagnosis.”