# Casey says dementia is ‘hidden problem’ as PM to hold talks on adult social care

By Prof Ian Maidment — 2026-07-29

Baroness Louise Casey has said dementia is a “hidden problem” within social care as the Prime Minister is set to hold cross-party talks about fixing the crisis within the system.

Lady Casey, who is leading a commission into social care, also said the public should not have to face “constant battle lines” between who does what when trying to access care.

Prof Ian Maidment, professor in clinical pharmacy at Aston University, said: “Many people living with dementia need social care – this need increases as the dementia becomes more severe often placing a significant burden on family carers.

“Social and medical care for dementia are closely linked and without adequate social care this increases the demands on the NHS.

“Often in-patient beds are filled by people with dementia who need an appropriate social care package rather than medical care. To reduce demands on the NHS, one key priority is to address the current issues with social care.”

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