As diagnosis rates drop, Dementia Action Week urges people to ‘act on dementia’

Posted: 16/05/2022

The theme of this year’s Dementia Action Week, which takes place from 16-22 May, is diagnosis, with leading charities encouraging people to ‘act on dementia’.

Alzheimer's Society, one of the main UK charities leading the campaign, provides support and research for those affected by dementia. Their research shows that the misconception around memory loss being a sign of normal ageing is the biggest barrier to people seeking a dementia diagnosis.

Diagnosis rates are the lowest they have been in five years, suggesting that an increasing number of people are living with undiagnosed dementia. This year’s campaign aims to encourage those who might be living with undiagnosed dementia to seek guidance and support, so that they feel empowered to take the next step

In the UK, there are about 800,000 people with dementia, and it is estimated that around 400,000 people have dementia without knowing it. As the UK population ages, dementia is likely to affect more and more of us. The current number of people living with dementia in the UK is set to rise to over one million by 2051.

Another leading charity, Dementia UK, gives helpful guidance on how to get a diagnosis of dementia here.

Dementia occurs when the brain is damaged by diseases such as Alzheimer’s or a series of strokes. The symptoms of dementia may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour. In later stages, a person may also develop physical symptoms such as muscle weakness or weight loss. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms gradually get worse over time.

Commenting on Dementia Action Week 2022, Lucie Prothero, senior associate in the clinical negligence team who specialises in elderly care, said: “While receiving a diagnosis of dementia is often devastating to the person concerned and their loved ones, living with undiagnosed dementia represents a potential risk to their personal safety and quality of life.

“Although the symptoms of dementia are progressive and on an often unknown timescale, many people with dementia can live full lives with the right support. Getting the diagnosis is the first step towards getting that vital help.

“Over recent years we have seen an increase in enquiries from families of dementia sufferers who are unhappy about the way their loved ones have been cared for in hospital or community-care settings. If the right care and support is not available, it can result in serious falls, dehydration and malnourishment, or pressure sores. Taking care of today’s dementia sufferers needs to remain a health and social care priority. We fully support this year’s campaign to encourage earlier diagnosis, which is essential before getting the necessary support.”

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