A recent report by the Alzheimer’s Society highlights that nearly one in three dementia patients in the UK face delays of over six months to receive a diagnosis, hindering their access to essential care and medications. With only 14% of patients getting diagnosed within a month, concerns are growing over the government’s prioritization of dementia care amidst projections of rising costs and increasing patient numbers.
A report by the Alzheimer’s Society has revealed that nearly one in three dementia patients in the UK wait over six months to receive a diagnosis after initially consulting with a doctor, with some waiting more than two years. This delay affects their access to specialist care and necessary medications. The survey, which included 3,476 adults either close to someone with dementia or experiencing symptoms themselves, indicated that only 14% of patients received a diagnosis within a month. In contrast, NHS standards for cancer diagnosis aim for a 28-day period, with a goal for 95% of all other conditions to receive diagnostic tests within six weeks.
The UK has nearly one million people living with dementia, making it the country’s leading cause of death. Prompt diagnosis is crucial as it enables access to treatments that can slow the progression of the disease. The recent findings have raised concerns about the prioritization of dementia care by the government. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the cost of dementia care is expected to double in the next 15 years to £90 billion, largely borne by families through unpaid care. The Department of Health has acknowledged the importance of timely dementia diagnosis and expressed commitment to improving identification and treatment processes.