Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench is spearheading a new campaign urging the government to ensure earlier dementia diagnoses for patients across the NHS.
Backing a petition by Alzheimer’s Research UK, the veteran performer is advocating for a significant reduction in the time it takes for individuals to receive a diagnosis after referral.
The call comes as nearly one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia, yet approximately one in three remain undiagnosed. This lack of clarity can have profound implications for individuals and their families, hindering access to vital support and planning.
According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, the diagnostic process is fraught with delays, with some patients in England facing waits of up to a year following referral.
The charity highlights a stark disparity, noting that those in the most deprived areas often endure even longer delays, exacerbating health inequalities.
Dame Judi, a vocal advocate for dementia awareness, said: “Dementia doesn’t just take away memories – it can take away identity, connection, and the future you thought you had.
“Watching loved ones slip away, and not knowing why, is an experience no one should have to go through without answers.
“Many people across the UK are still waiting far too long for a dementia diagnosis – or never receive one at all.
“That means they miss out on vital support, on the chance to plan ahead, opportunities to get involved in research, and on precious time”.
She added: “A diagnosis may not fix everything, but it gives people understanding, clarity, and some control at a time when everything feels uncertain. It allows families to make the most of the moments they have left.
“That’s why I’ve signed Alzheimer’s Research UK’s petition – and why I’m asking the public to do the same.
“Together, we can call on government to fix the crumbling diagnosis system and make sure no one faces dementia unseen.”
The new Alzheimer’s Research UK campaign, Dementia Unseen, comes after the NHS target to ensure 66.7% of people with dementia receive a diagnosis was removed from NHS planning guidance for 2025-26.
Two breakthrough Alzheimer’s drugs: lecanemab and donanemab, were rejected for use on the NHS last week.
Alzheimer’s Research UK is calling for people with suspected dementia to be referred by their GP to see a specialist within six weeks – and to have a diagnosis and treatment plan in place within 18 weeks.
Hilary Evans-Newton, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Everyone who has dementia should have the right to know the disease or diseases causing it, and to be diagnosed early enough to get treatments that help with its symptoms.
“But hundreds of thousands of people are waiting too long for a diagnosis, causing uncertainty, and adding distress to an already challenging situation.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Dame Judi for helping shine a light on what people with dementia need – and to everyone who has already signed our petition and stands with us.
“More people are seeking answers, so it’s vital that the NHS and government act now to fix the system – because no one should face dementia alone or unseen.”
Professor Fiona Carragher, chief policy officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Everyone living with dementia deserves the clarity and dignity of an early and accurate diagnosis. Yet, more than a third of people living with this terminal condition are in the dark because they haven’t been diagnosed, with many left to struggle alone without the care, support and treatment a diagnosis can bring.
“In fact, on average people experience dementia symptoms for three and a half years before they receive a diagnosis.
“For some time, we’ve been calling on the UK Government to urgently address dementia diagnosis and we welcome the recommendations in this new report.
“In particular, we support the call for health services to have the right teams and technology they need to diagnose more people, and for more data on diagnosis so that resources can be targeted where they’re needed most.
“The science for dementia treatments is flying but the diagnosis system is failing. It is crucial governments invest in diagnosis across England, Wales and Northern Ireland so people can access the existing treatments of today, plan for the future, and be eligible for the life-changing treatments of tomorrow.
“If our governments set bold and ambitious new dementia diagnosis rate targets to get more people diagnosed, this would bring significant benefits for individuals, their families, and for health and care services.”
The petition can be found at https://alzres.uk/unseen
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