Families hit by long waits for dementia diagnosis
Hundreds of families say they have had to wait months or even years for a dementia diagnosis for a loved one.
A survey conducted for Alzheimer's Society reveals that numerous families have endured extended waits, sometimes spanning years, for a dementia diagnosis for their loved ones. This lengthy delay significantly affects their own lives, financial stability, and mental wellbeing. The charity is advocating for a national standard where individuals with dementia receive an accurate diagnosis within 18 weeks of being referred by a GP, bringing dementia diagnosis on par with that of other major health conditions like cancer.
Michael Fethon's father, Jim, experienced a 18-month wait from his initial GP appointment before receiving a diagnosis. The delay took a toll on Jim, who experienced symptoms beyond memory loss, and on Michael, who eventually had to quit his job to care for his father. Jim's condition gradually worsened over these 18 months, making it difficult for him to drive, shop, and even walk.
Had Jim received a diagnosis sooner, he could have started medication that, while not curing dementia, helps slow down its progression and lessen its severity.
The Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for comment on these findings. In the survey, over a thousand families and carers of individuals living with dementia reported that nearly half of them waited over six months for an accurate diagnosis following their first visit to a GP. Michelle Dyson CB, from Alzheimer's Society, emphasizes how a diagnosis aids families in accessing support and planning for the future.
She stresses that families spend months and sometimes years waiting for answers while their loved one's dementia progresses, likening it to a journey without a clear destination.
A formal diagnosis can greatly ease life for many families, according to 9 out of 10 families surveyed. It enables better understanding of symptoms and behaviors, supports the person living with dementia, aids in accessing information, and facilitates communication with healthcare professionals. The government is committed to improving support for those affected by dementia, appointing a new dementia tsar, and implementing reforms in the social care system in response to these findings.
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