Families Hit by Long Waits for Dementia Diagnosis – BBC News
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In this article:
- News
- Health
Families’ Stories of Delayed Dementia Diagnosis
Hundreds of families share their experiences of lengthy waits for a dementia diagnosis, highlighting the impact on their lives.
Key Findings:
- Many families report waiting months or years for a diagnosis.
- Delays affect work, finances, and mental health.
- The Alzheimer’s Society advocates for an 18-week national standard for diagnosis.
“He could have had medication sooner… If we’d have had a diagnosis sooner, he could have started medication sooner…” – Michael Fathon, caring for his father with dementia.
Long Delays, Devastating Impact
A survey by the Alzheimer’s Society reveals:
- Nearly half of families waited over six months for an accurate diagnosis.
- Families describe agonizing waits and the strain on their lives.
“Too many families spend months, and sometimes years, waiting for answers… You would never accept someone being diagnosed with cancer and then left to work out the next steps on their own.” – Michelle Dyson CB, Alzheimer’s Society.
Personal Stories:
Keith and Sue Andrews: Married 57 years, Sue’s dementia has progressed to the point where she lives in a care home. Keith recalls waiting almost a year for a diagnosis, a challenging period. Once diagnosed, their life became more manageable.
"Because you know you’re doing the right thing… before that diagnosis, you don’t know if you’re doing the right thing." – Keith Andrews.
