A new survey from the Alzheimer's Society reveals that 45 per cent of people in the West Midlands waited longer than six months for a dementia diagnosis from the point they first sought help. The charity is now calling for a new national standard to ensure patients receive a diagnosis, a care plan and any treatment needed within 18 weeks of a GP referral.
Survey of 1,000 carers highlights widespread delays
The findings come from a survey of 1,000 carers conducted by the Alzheimer's Society. The results show that across the West Midlands, nearly half of dementia patients experienced waits exceeding six months, with symptoms continuing to progress during that time.
Forty per cent of those surveyed in the West Midlands said the wait had affected their work, and nearly a third, 29 per cent, said it made it harder to make future plans. More than a quarter, 28 per cent, reported sleepless nights, while nearly one-in-four, 24 per cent, said they felt life was on hold.
Financial and emotional toll on families
The survey also highlighted the financial impact of caring for someone with dementia. A third, 33 per cent, said they had already used personal savings because of the financial impact of caring, while over a quarter, 26 per cent, had cut back on everyday spending. Similar proportions had reduced their working hours, 28 per cent, and spent less on their own health and wellbeing, 24 per cent.
Heather Candelent, regional manager at Alzheimer's Society, said: "A dementia diagnosis can be a vital turning point, giving people answers and helping them access the treatment, care and support they need. Yet for too many families across the West Midlands, the wait for a diagnosis is far too long, with symptoms continuing to progress in the meantime."
Call for 18-week standard and more post-diagnosis support
Candelent added: "These delays leave people facing uncertainty at an already difficult time and can prevent them from accessing the support that helps them live well with dementia. It would be unacceptable for someone diagnosed with cancer to be left without a clear route to support. People affected by dementia deserve the same standard of care and follow-up."
The survey also found that even after receiving a diagnosis, many carers felt they needed more support. When asked what would have helped most after diagnosis, respondents most commonly identified more follow-up from healthcare professionals, better information about treatment options, help accessing local services and clearer guidance on next steps.
Alzheimer's Society supporters and campaigners are to deliver an open letter to 10 Downing Street calling on Government to set a new plan for tackling dementia, including faster access to diagnosis, treatment and support.
