Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with NHS England on improving diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia.

As part of the merging of the Department and NHS England, colleagues from both organisations have established a joint team to develop the Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia. The framework will seek to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia, including those living with primary progressive aphasia. It will set national standards for dementia care and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best possible care and support.

The Frailty & Dementia Modern Service Framework Task and Finish Group is an advisory body to offer insight and guidance. The first meeting took place on 25 March 2026 and these meetings occur monthly. The group is co-chaired by:

• Dr Jeremy Isaacs, Consultant Neurologist at St George’s and Kingston Hospitals and National Clinical Director for Dementia and Older People’s Mental Health at NHS England;
• Sarah McClinton, Chief Social Worker for Adults and Mental Health Social Work lead in the Department; and
• Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, Consultant Geriatrician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Kings College London and President of the British Geriatrics Society.