Families hit by long waits for dementia diagnosis

Hundreds of families say they have had to wait months or even years for a dementia diagnosis for a loved one.

Such long delays have an impact on their own work, finances and mental health, a survey for the Alzheimer's Society charity reveals.

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.

That would put dementia on a similar footing as other major health conditions, including cancer.

Michael Fethon says his dad, Jim, waited 18 months from their initial appointment with a GP before being diagnosed.

It was a delay that took its toll on Jim - and on Michael, who eventually had to give up his job to care for his dad.

"I think my dad felt beside himself because he was experiencing symptoms. It wasn't just memory loss."

Michael says his father struggled to drive, shop and, eventually, even to walk.

"It almost spiralled in that 18 months of his condition, gradually getting worse.

"If we'd have had a diagnosis sooner, he could have started medication sooner, and whilst the medication doesn't cure dementia, it acts to sort of slow it down and eliminate the severity of it."

The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for a comment about the findings.

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.

Michelle Dyson CB, of the Alzheimer's Society, says a diagnosis can really help families access support and plan for the future.

"Too many families spend months, and sometimes years, waiting for answers while their dementia progresses.