Veteran newsreader Jon Snow, alongside actors Sir Jonathan Pryce, Suranne Jones, and Vicky McClure, is among 60,000 signatories to an open letter delivered to Downing Street, calling for improved dementia diagnosis and care.
The petition, spearheaded by the Alzheimer's Society, demands a "bold and ambitious" plan to shorten the often lengthy waits for diagnosis, which new research indicates can exceed six months for many patients. The charity advocates for a national target of an 18-week maximum wait from GP referral to diagnosis and the establishment of a care plan and appropriate treatment.
According to the Alzheimer's Society, such a target is already met for other major health conditions like cancer and heart disease. The letter also urges the government to set a goal to reduce dementia-related deaths, ensure plans are in place for disease-modifying treatments, support dementia training for the social care workforce, and guarantee early and accurate diagnoses for all.
The charity warns that the absence of a firm target could lead to service cutbacks, resulting in patients experiencing prolonged waits while their condition deteriorates. In some cases, this delay could render individuals ineligible for breakthrough drugs that are most effective in the early stages of the disease.
Data from a survey of over 1,000 UK carers of people with dementia revealed that nearly half (45%) waited more than six months for a diagnosis after initially seeking medical help. For those supporting a diagnosed individual, 46% reported that the diagnostic delay impacted their work, 35% found it harder to plan for the future, and 30% felt their lives were on hold.
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, stated that while it would be unacceptable for cancer patients to be left to navigate next steps alone, this is a common reality for those affected by dementia. She emphasized that a diagnosis can provide crucial answers, understanding, and access to support and treatment, but acknowledged that current services are insufficient.
"Too many families spend months, and sometimes years, waiting for answers while their dementia progresses," Dyson said. "It is like trying to plan a journey without knowing where you are going or when you will arrive. Behind every delayed diagnosis is a family living with uncertainty and trying to prepare for the future without the support they need."
The Daily Mail and Alzheimer's Society have partnered on a campaign to defeat dementia, which is the UK's biggest killer, claiming 76,000 lives annually. The initiative aims to raise awareness, improve early diagnosis rates, boost research, and enhance care.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson indicated the government's commitment to strengthening support for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The spokesperson mentioned plans to accelerate Baroness Casey's commission on social care reform and appoint a new dementia tsar. Additionally, a new action plan for unpaid carers is being implemented to provide them with necessary support and recognition.