Almost one in three dementia patients forced to wait more than six months to learn if they have disease after first seeing a doctor, report reveals

Almost one in three dementia patients have to wait more than six months to learn if they have the disease after first seeing a doctor, a report reveals today.

Some are even facing delays of more than two years before they receive a diagnosis, according to Alzheimer’s Society data, which means they are forced to do without specialist care or drugs.

The charity said their findings highlight a ‘forgotten crisis’ and accused the Government of failing to make dementia a priority.

Almost one million people are living with dementia in the UK and it is the country’s biggest killer. 

Patients with a diagnosis can access support and drugs that help to slow the disease’s devastating progress.

Almost one million people are living with dementia in the UK and it is the country’s biggest killer (stock image)

The Alzheimer’s Society’s survey of 3,476 adults, who are close to someone with dementia or living with symptoms, found 29 per cent of patients had to wait at least six months for a diagnosis after first seeing a doctor. 

One in 20 waited more than two years, while only one in seven received a diagnosis in less than a month.

By comparison, NHS standards set a diagnosis target of 28 days for cancer patients and say 95 per cent of people should receive a diagnostic test within six weeks for all other conditions.

The findings come a day after the Mail reported that the cost of dementia is set to double in the UK in the next 15 years to a staggering £90 billion, with families bearing the brunt by providing unpaid care.

Mark MacDonald, from the Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Our survey highlights the often confusing and stressful wait many face in getting a diagnosis, leaving them feeling alone and unable to access the care, treatment and support they need and deserve.’

A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘Timely diagnosis of dementia is vital, which is why we’re working to identify and treat more people.’