It’s Dementia Action Week and we’re encouraging people to get a diagnosis

Increasing diagnosis rates is such an important issue and the Alzheimer’s Society are focusing on it again this year.

Following a sustained drop in dementia diagnosis rates for the first time ever, we undertook research to understand the key barriers and benefits to getting a diagnosis.

As well as the misconception around memory loss just being part of getting old, our research found being in denial, and referral times to specialists, are big barriers for those experiencing symptoms to seek a diagnosis.

Getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but we believe it’s better to know. And so do 91% of people affected by dementia.

This Dementia Action Week, we are involving more healthcare professionals and building on the success of our symptoms checklist. By working together, we want to improve people’s diagnosis experience and ensure they get a timely diagnosis.

Where can I find more information on memory loss and diagnosis?

It’s important that those who are concerned that they or someone close to them might be experiencing signs of dementia continue to come to us for guidance and support.

This includes reading our new information on memory loss and diagnosis, using our symptoms checklist to help describe symptoms to GPs, and watching first-hand stories from people living with and affected by dementia on the benefits of getting a diagnosis.