Alzheimer’s Research UK welcome report highlighting urgent need for action to improve dementia diagnosis around the world

Alzheimer’s Research UK have welcomed the findings of Alzheimer’s Disease International’s report recognising the urgent need to improve dementia diagnosis around the world.

There are more than 41 million people living with dementia around the world who have not had a diagnosis, according to the report.

Among its recommendations are calls on healthcare services to invest more in diagnostic infrastructure, improved education and training in dementia-related care, and public awareness campaigns about the signs and symptoms of dementia.

Susan Mitchell, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“We welcome this report and its extensive review of dementia diagnosis. This analysis shows the global variation in quality of diagnosis which impacts both people with dementia and their loved ones. Getting a diagnosis is the crucial first step to enable people to get support, plan ahead, participate in research and receive new treatments as they become available. “Thanks to research, there has been huge progress in developing diagnostic tests that can be used at an earlier stage or for a more accurate diagnosis. To ensure these advances are made available to everyone, the government must invest in diagnostic infrastructure, training and more healthcare staff. “COVID-19 has exacerbated problems with getting a dementia diagnosis in the UK. As we emerge from the pandemic, we need the government to support the NHS to ensure everyone who needs a diagnosis can now access the services they need.”