The amount of time that people with dementia spend in hospital should be reduced, a report said today.

The Alzheimer's Society, which commissioned the report, warned that long spells in hospital had an adverse effect on the health of many patients.

It urged the NHS to cut the average hospital stay for dementia patients by one week, saving at least £80m a year.

The charity questioned more than 2,400 NHS staff and carers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It said the specific needs of people with dementia were often overlooked and that many patients ended up malnourished and dehydrated.

Dementia patients were also highly likely to be discharged to care homes after spending time in hospital rather than being returned to their own homes, the report said.

Its findings showed that 60% went into hospital from their own homes, but only 36% returned to them afterwards.

To read the full story, click here