Unlocking the door to dementia diagnosis and treatments

Background

Nearly one million people in the UK have dementia. By 2040, that number will rise to 1.4 million. Yet the systems designed to diagnose and support people are struggling to keep pace, with delays, inequalities and missed opportunities far too common. Too many people have a poor experience, wait too long for a diagnosis and receive less treatment and support than clinical guidance says they should.

Everyone with dementia has the right to an early and accurate diagnosis and the best available treatments. Individuals and our health and care systems are paying for the price of inaction.

Alzheimer's Society’s two new 'Unlocking the door' reports lay out a stark reality – and a clear programme of reform for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  

Key recommendations

Together, our two reports set out a coherent programme of reform across diagnosis and treatment. These reforms are designed to:

• ensure diagnosis is early and accurate
• support consistent access to effective dementia drugs and non-drug interventions
• reduce inequalities and unwanted regional variation  
• strengthen systems’ readiness for future innovation in diagnosis and treatments
• deliver better outcomes for people living with dementia and their families  

To do this, we need:

• clear targets to set a national ambition and local accountability
• strengthen clinical guidance and standardise pathways
• invest in and support the dementia workforce
• strengthen dementia data and monitoring
• build systems ready for innovation

These reforms are achievable. They mirror successful initiatives that have been taken in other conditions. Dementia, as the UK’s biggest killer, warrants the same level of ambition.

People living with dementia deserve an open door to diagnosis and treatment. We owe it to them – and future generations – to unlock it.