Health
Alzheimer's Society survey highlights extended wait times for dementia diagnoses
The charity is calling for an 18-week diagnosis standard after finding nearly half of surveyed families waited over six months following an initial GP visit.
The short version
- A survey by the Alzheimer's Society of over 1,000 families and carers revealed that nearly half waited more than six months for an accurate dementia diagnosis after seeing a GP.
- Delays in diagnosis have reportedly contributed to financial strain, career disruption, and mental health challenges for families and carers.
- The charity is advocating for a national target requiring diagnosis within 18 weeks of referral.
- The Department of Health and Social Care stated it is appointing a dementia tsar, advancing a social care commission, and launching an unpaid carers action plan.
Key facts
- A survey conducted for the Alzheimer's Society found that nearly half of more than 1,000 surveyed families and carers waited longer than six months for an accurate dementia diagnosis after an initial GP consultation.[BBC News]
- The Alzheimer's Society called for the establishment of a national 18-week standard for diagnosis following GP referral to align dementia care timelines with conditions like cancer.[BBC News]
- Nine out of ten families surveyed stated that obtaining a formal diagnosis made at least one aspect of managing life or care easier.[BBC News]
- The Department of Health and Social Care stated it is accelerating the timetable for Baroness Casey's social care commission, appointing a dementia tsar, and introducing an action plan for unpaid carers.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed whether the government will adopt the Alzheimer's Society's proposed 18-week national diagnostic target.[BBC News]
Sources
- Families hit by long waits for dementia diagnosisBBC News - Top Stories