Hundreds of families have reported experiencing months or even years of waiting for a dementia diagnosis for a loved one. A survey conducted for the Alzheimer's Society charity indicates that such prolonged delays can affect families' work, finances, and mental health.
The charity is advocating for a national standard that would ensure individuals with dementia receive an accurate diagnosis within 18 weeks of being seen and referred by a GP. This would align dementia with other significant health conditions, such as cancer.
More than a thousand families and carers of people living with dementia participated in the survey. Nearly half of them stated they waited over six months for an accurate diagnosis following their initial visit to a GP. Michael Fethon shared that his father, Jim, waited 18 months for a diagnosis after their first GP appointment, a delay that impacted both of them.
Michelle Dyson CB of the Alzheimer's Society highlighted that a diagnosis can help families access support and plan for the future. She stated that too many families spend extended periods waiting for answers while dementia progresses. Nine out of 10 families surveyed found that a formal diagnosis made at least one aspect of life easier, including understanding symptoms and behaviour, supporting the person with dementia, accessing information, or speaking with healthcare professionals.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said the government is committed to strengthening support for individuals affected by dementia and their family carers. They mentioned bringing forward the timetable for Baroness Casey's commission on social care reform and appointing a new dementia tsar.