Dementia Diagnosis Delay Revealed: Years Pass Before Recognition

New analysis highlights critical gaps in identifying early symptoms

Individuals showing the first signs of dementia often wait years for a formal diagnosis, according to a significant new analysis of global studies. This delay hinders timely treatment and support for those affected.

The Diagnostic Gap

On average, people exhibiting initial dementia symptoms face a diagnosis lag of approximately three and a half years. This finding emerged from an examination of data involving over 30,000 individuals across Europe, the United States, Australia, and China. The research was published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Younger Diagnoses Take Longer

The analysis also pinpointed a concerning trend for those developing dementia at a younger age. These individuals often wait over four years for a diagnosis, a longer period than the general average. Dementia, a progressive neurodegenerative condition, impacts cognitive functions like memory and thought processes.

Urgent Need for Timely Intervention

Vasiliki Orgeta, an associate professor at University College London’s division of psychiatry and lead author, stressed the urgency. Timely diagnosis of dementia remains a major global challenge, shaped by a complex set of factors, and specific healthcare strategies are urgently needed to improve it. she stated. A prompt diagnosis can significantly improve access to treatments that may slow symptom progression, especially in mild dementia cases.

Global Data Underpins Findings

This study represents the first global examination of the time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and a dementia diagnosis. The age range of participants in the included studies spanned from 54 to 93 years.

Data from ten studies indicated an “average mean (time to diagnosis) across all types of dementia was 3.5 years,” while six studies reported that “time to diagnosis in young onset dementia was 4.1 years.” The researchers noted a lack of standardized methods for measuring this crucial time period.

Addressing Stigma and Awareness

Phuong Leung, also from University College London’s division of psychiatry, commented, Symptoms of dementia are often mistaken for normal ageing, while fear, stigma and low public awareness can discourage people from seeking help. Orgeta added that public awareness campaigns could empower individuals to recognize early signs and seek medical advice sooner, potentially accelerating the diagnostic process.

Improving early recognition and referral requires intensive clinician training. Enhanced access to early intervention and personalized support is crucial for both individuals with dementia and their families to receive the necessary assistance. This is echoed by a recent Alzheimer’s Association report noting that early diagnosis can empower patients and families to plan for the future, access available treatments, and participate in clinical trials (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).