Charity backs dementia tagging plan

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Alzheimer's Society said the plan could empower patients by giving them more freedom to wander off and could help families care for patients for longer.

The tags use satellite tracking systems similar to those used for offenders and would only be used with the patient's consent.

The society says many dementia sufferers feel a compelling urge to walk, with 40% getting lost when they wander, distressing themselves and their families.

Chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, Neil Hunt, told reporters the technology "could offer benefits" to people with dementia and their carers.

He said: "There is a careful balance to strike between empowering people and restricting their movement and this technology can certainly never be used as an alternative for high-quality dementia care."

In April this year the plan was put forward by Science Minister Malcolm Wicks to a mixed reception.

Speaking at the time, Mr Wicks said: "We've got an ageing population with many people frail and many suffering from dementia, including Alzheimer's.

"How can we get the balance right so that these people have the freedom to live their lives, to go out in the community and go shopping?"

There are about 700,000 people in the UK with dementia, which mainly affects older people. A large proportion of those have Alzheimer's disease. That figure is set to rise to more than one million in 20 years and to 1.7 million by 2050 - an increase of 154% over the next 45 years.