Judi Dench Is Right – Dementia Diagnoses Can Take 'Far Too Long'

Judi DenchDame Judi Dench has recently paired with Alzheimer’s Research UK for the organisation’s new campaign, Dementia Unseen.“Many people across the UK are still waiting far too long for a dementia diagnosis – or never receive one at all,” she said. The petition comes after the government has removed its target to diagnose 66.7% of those aged 65 and over with dementia. Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at Alzheimer’s Society, called the announcement “shocking,” adding: “This glaring omission is unacceptable and sends the message that dementia does not matter, and is not considered one of England’s healthcare priorities”.Just under a million people in the UK are believed to have dementia, with an estimated third of those living without a diagnosis. Here’s why early diagnosis of a condition for which we don’t yet have a cure matters.Most people with dementia wait over a year for a diagnosisMore than half of those with suspected dementia wait for over a year to get a diagnosis.But the NHS says that’s not ideal, because “an accurate early, or timely, diagnosis of dementia can have many benefits”.As a part of the Dementia Unseen campaign, Dame Judi Dench gave some examples of these. People who get a later diagnosis “miss out on vital support, on the chance to plan ahead, opportunities to get involved in research, and on precious time,” she said.“A diagnosis may not fix everything, but it gives people understanding, clarity, and some control at a time when everything feels uncertain. It allows families to make the most of the moments they have left.” The benefits go beyond that, however. Drugs like lecanemab, which can slow Alzheimer’s, are only suitable for use in the early stages of the disease (though these are not available on the NHS).Alzheimer’s Research UK is calling for improved diagnosis The charity is asking the government to ensure people referred by their GP to a dementia specialist get seen within six weeks. They also ask that people with suspected dementia have a diagnosis and treatment plan in place within 18 weeks.Alzheimer’s Research UK is also asking the government to accelerate the adoption of new diagnostic tools, like blood tests and healthcare data, to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.“Together, we can call on [the] government to fix the crumbling diagnosis system and make sure no one faces dementia unseen,” Judi said.Related...These 4 Tests May Reveal Dementia Risk 18 Years Before DiagnosisDementia Risk Starts In Childhood And Even Infancy, Scientists WarnThis Longevity-Boosting Diet May Disrupt The Depression-Dementia Link

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