Dementia Support Line
Dementia diagnosis rate target met for first time since March 2020
The dementia diagnosis rate of of two-thirds (66.7%) has been met. This is a positive result, as Alzheimer's Society has campaigned for years for more people to get access to an early and accurate diagnosis.
Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said:
'While this is a positive, a target of two thirds is too modest, and we must demand better for dementia, the UK’s biggest killer.
'Too many people spend months on end waiting for answers, unable to access the support, advice and care that a dementia diagnosis can unlock. With new treatments emerging that are most effective in the early stages of disease, the consequences of delayed diagnosis are becoming even more significant.
More breakthroughs are around the corner so simply maintaining the status quo is not enough. We need a more ambitious goal.
'The UK government must introduce a maximum 18 week wait for a dementia diagnosis, including starting a care plan and treatment, and invest in the people and services needed to deliver on this goal.
'Without decisive action, those affected will continue to face delays in getting the lifechanging support and treatment they desperately need.'
Dementia deserves diagnosis
Right now, around a million people in the UK are living with dementia, yet one third of them remain undiagnosed and cut off from the care, support and treatment they desperately need. This is unacceptable, and we need your help to change it and make dementia the political priority it needs to be.
