Families hit by long waits for dementia diagnosis

• Dementia diagnosis delays are widespread, with patients experiencing waits of months to years, creating prolonged uncertainty for families during a critical period when early intervention could be most beneficial
• Extended diagnostic delays may impact treatment initiation and care planning, highlighting potential gaps in memory service capacity across NHS trusts
• GPs should be aware of these access issues when managing patients with suspected cognitive impairment and consider early specialist referral to mitigate further delays

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

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