Two new reports published by the Alzheimer’s Society reveal that dementia patients routinely face prolonged delays to diagnosis, followed by gaps and stark inequalities in treatment and support – highlighting the need for the same focus and urgency seen in other major conditions. The reports examine the entire dementia diagnosis and treatment pathway revealing patients are not just delayed once, but are repeatedly missing opportunities for diagnosis, treatment and support at every stage.
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
