Dementia diagnosis is ‘slow, unequal and unfit for purpose’, carers warn
Thousands living without a formal dementia diagnosis in the UK
- A new survey reveals that almost one in four healthcare staff in NHS dementia services feel unable to provide the best level of care to patients.
- Fewer than a third of staff believe current diagnostic processes for dementia are fit for purpose, according to the poll commissioned by Alzheimer's Research UK.
- Alzheimer's Research UK estimates nearly a million people in the UK live with dementia, with over a third lacking a formal diagnosis.
- The poll also highlighted that over one in three people affected by dementia waited more than a year before seeking help, and 22 per cent waited over two years for a diagnosis.
- The charity is advocating for improved diagnosis pathways, calling for GP referrals to specialists within six weeks and diagnosis and treatment plans within 18 weeks.