Dementia Diagnosis Delays Hit Record High in U.K.
People suspected of having dementia are facing the longest waits on record for diagnosis by the NHS in England, new data shows. The average wait time has climbed to five months, with some patients enduring nearly a year of uncertainty.
The NHS, or National Health Service, is the publicly funded healthcare system of the United Kingdom.
A report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists found that the average wait for a dementia diagnosis reached 22 weeks last year, up from 13 weeks in 2019. The study also highlighted stark disparities, with those living in deprived areas experiencing even longer delays.
Experts warn that these lengthy waits leave thousands without crucial care, support, and access to potential new treatments. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing dementia and planning for the future.
"It is deeply concerning that people with dementia are facing such long waits," said Dr. Mohan Bhat, chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Old Age Faculty, quoted in an article in the Daily Mail Daily Mail.
These delays can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families.
The government has acknowledged the problem and pledged to improve diagnosis times. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure timely access to care for people with dementia.
As research into new treatments advances, the importance of early diagnosis becomes even more critical.
Drugs like Lecanemab and Donanemab have shown promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, but they require early detection to be effective. However, these drugs have yet to be approved in the U.K.
In the United States, both medications have been approved.
- Lecanemab (Leqembi): Approved by the FDA in January 2023.
- Donanemab (Kisunla): Approved by the FDA in July 2024.
In Canada, both medications are pending approval.
Jennifer Keen of the Alzheimer's Society emphasized the need for swift diagnosis in the Daily Mail, saying, "An early, accurate dementia diagnosis is vital for unlocking care and support."
Dementia: A Growing Crisis
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are rapidly becoming a global health crisis, impacting millions of people in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
The rising prevalence of dementia is driving up the cost of long-term care. Unlike many other health conditions, dementia care is not covered by traditional health insurance and Medicare, which only covers short-term skilled care. This leaves families facing staggering costs for memory care and other long-term care services like assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home care.
Long-Term Care Insurance can help offset the rising cost of memory care and long-term care expenses in the United States and Canada by providing coverage for a range of care options, including memory care facilities. However, you must purchase an LTC policy before the onset of dementia or other health problems.
Quality Care Improves Quality of Life
If you have a loved one with dementia, quality memory care, either at home or in a long-term care facility, can make all the difference in someone's quality of life.
Family members don't have the time or training to provide full-time memory care. Finding quality long-term care services will improve your loved one's daily life and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on family members.
However, quality long-term care services are expensive. This is why Long-Term Care Insurance is an important part of retirement planning.
Most people acquire Long-Term Care Insurance in their 40s or 50s, although if they have reasonably good health, they can find affordable options in their 60s and even older.
For individuals with limited financial resources, Medicaid may be an option. However, eligibility requirements are strict and require limited income and assets.