Dame Arlene Phillips, 81, ‘devastated’ as former BBC Strictly star makes statement on dementia update
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips has expressed devastation over the removal of dementia diagnosis from NHS England planning guidance.
The Alzheimer’s Society ambassador took to social media to share her concerns about the decision.
Last week, the NHS announced that the dementia diagnosis rate target – that 66.7 per cent of people living with dementia in England should have a diagnosis – had been removed from the NHS Operational Planning Guidance for 2025-6.
“As an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society I am devastated that dementia diagnosis has been removed from NHS England planning guidance,” Phillips wrote.
“Removing the diagnosis target means dementia doesn’t matter. We need to make dementia a priority,” she added.
Nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia, according to Phillips’ statement.
The announcement sparked immediate concern from the public, with social media users expressing their dismay.
“How is this even possible? It’s outrageous and scandalous,” wrote one commenter on Instagram.
Another described the decision as “utterly heartbreaking”.
“This is shocking. Mum had Alzheimer’s after dad died. This government and past governments do not care,” a third commented.
“This decision is utterly heartbreaking,” added another social media user.
Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said the organisation was “shocked” by the decision in an official statement.
Carragher said: “This glaring omission is unacceptable and sends the message that dementia does not matter and is not considered one of England’s healthcare priorities.
“It highlights a staggering lack of focus on a devastating condition that affects nearly a million people in the UK and contradicts the UK Government’s stated ambition to improve diagnosis rates.”
“This is a backwards step which will alarm all those affected by dementia,” she continued.
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The statement concluded with issuing a demand for Health Secretary Wes Streeting to “set ambitious and achievable new diagnosis rate targets in the 10 Year Plan”.
Alzheimer’s Society called on the Government to additionally provide: “Long-term investment in the tools and workforce needed to get everyone the diagnosis they deserve.”