The number of people with dementia is set to rise over the coming years as the UK's population ages, bringing considerable emotional and financial implications. The Prime Minister has described it as 'a national crisis'. Increasing the number of people who are diagnosed early will reap significant benefits for individuals, families and government.
Currently however, the UK has a poor diagnosis rate, with only 41% of people with dementia estimated to be diagnosed. This report draws on in-depth interviews with people with Alzheimer’s and their carers and a wealth of research to identify the barriers to early diagnosis, from a patient and professional perspective. New policies are proposed to better incentivise the health system to diagnose dementia earlier.
