Dementia: the deception is broken; naked truth looks OK

We are warmed and encouraged by the supportive responses,^1–3 to our challenge to the National Dementia Strategy in its current form.⁴

Professor Iliffe wonderfully caricatures the four flattering tailors who would weave the magic suit of clothes to bedeck the Emperor. ‘But look’ says he, and professor Manthorpe, and doctors Vahabzadeh, Abbas, and Boyle say ‘aye’. This is an important but well-recognised variant of the human condition, don't make it more than that. Enfold it as such among people at home and in their care homes and help these individuals live their lives as fully as possible — specialist skills welded within primary care can play a useful, humble part in this.

The Gnosall model has recently been visited by Professor Burns in full Tsar regalia. Shrewd Scot that he is, he knows true value when he sees it. This may be a further step toward wide adoption, the approach that offers better care for people with dementia, their families, and people who devote their working lives to their support. Its economics may just save the NHS from administration.