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Families Call for Faster Dementia Diagnosis
Developing
In Short: A survey reveals long waits for accurate dementia diagnoses, prompting calls for a national standard of 18 weeks.
Families and carers of people living with dementia are calling for a national standard of 18 weeks for receiving an accurate diagnosis after being referred by a GP, according to a survey by a charity.
The survey, which involved over a thousand families and carers, found that nearly half waited more than six months for an accurate diagnosis after their first visit to a GP.
Actor Keith, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, is now performing a one-man show, highlighting the personal impact of such diagnoses. His wife Sue, who has been married since 1969, supports his efforts.
Despite the long waits, 90% of families surveyed reported that a formal diagnosis made at least one aspect of life easier.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- The charity is calling for a national standard that would mean someone with dementia would receive an accurate diagnosis within 18 weeks of being seen and referred by a GP.
- In the survey, more than a thousand families and carers of people living with dementia revealed that nearly half of them waited for more than six months for an accurate diagnosis after their first visit to a GP.
- Burnham doesn't rule out tax rises to fix social care 'Every day I'm just winging it': The families hoping for social care reform This actor was told he had Alzheimer's, now he's performing a one-man show Keith and…
- Like Keith, 9 out of 10 families surveyed said that a formal diagnosis made at least one aspect of life easier.
Sources
- BBClink