Nearly one in three dementia patients have to wait more than six months to find out if they have the disease after first seeing a doctor, a report reveals today.
Some even face delays of more than two years before receiving a diagnosis, according to data from the Alzheimer’s Society, meaning they are forced to go without specialist care and without medication.
The charity said its findings highlight a “forgotten crisis” and accused the Government of failing to make dementia a priority.
Almost one in three dementia patients have to wait more than six months to find out if they have the disease after first seeing a doctor, a report reveals today (file image)
Almost a million people live with dementia in the UK and it is the leading cause of death in the country.
Patients with a diagnosis can access support and medications that help slow the devastating progress of the disease.
The Alzheimer’s Society survey of 3,476 adults, close to someone with dementia or living with symptoms, found that 29 percent of patients had to wait at least six months to receive a diagnosis after first seeing a doctor. doctor.
One in 20 waited more than two years, while only one in seven received a diagnosis in less than a month.
Almost a million people live with dementia in the UK and it is the leading cause of death in the country (file image)
By comparison, NHS standards set a 28-day diagnostic target for cancer patients and say 95 per cent of people should receive a diagnostic test within six weeks for all other conditions.
The findings come a day after the Mail reported that the cost of dementia will double in the UK over the next 15 years to a staggering £90bn, with families bearing the brunt of providing care unpaid.
Mark MacDonald, from the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Our survey highlights the often confusing and stressful wait many face for a diagnosis, leaving them feeling alone and unable to access care, treatment and support. support they need and deserve.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: “Timely diagnosis of dementia is vital, which is why we are working to identify and treat more people.”