Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 28: People with dementia are diagnosed an average of 3.5 years after the first symptoms appear, delaying access to vital treatment and support, a new global study has revealed.
Published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, the research led by University College London (UCL) found that those with early-onset dementia or frontotemporal dementia face even longer delays—up to 4.1 years on average—before receiving a diagnosis.
The findings are based on an analysis of 13 international studies covering over 30,000 individuals across Europe, the US, Australia, and China.
“Timely diagnosis remains a major global challenge. Many people face years of uncertainty, which limits access to treatments and delays planning for the future,” said Dr. Vasiliki Orgeta, lead author and senior researcher at UCL’s Division of Psychiatry.
Dementia symptoms—such as memory loss, confusion, trouble finding words, and personality changes—are often mistaken for normal ageing, the study notes. Fear, stigma, and lack of awareness were also cited as key barriers to early help-seeking.
“Only about 50 to 65 per cent of dementia cases are diagnosed in high-income countries. In many others, the rate is even lower,” added Dr. Phuong Leung, co-author of the study.
The study warns that delayed diagnosis not only hampers access to early intervention but also increases strain on families and healthcare systems. With 57 million people globally living with dementia, the researchers are calling for urgent action.
Key Recommendations from the Study:
• Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and educate people about early symptoms.
• Training for clinicians to improve early recognition and referral pathways.
• Expanded access to early intervention services and personalised care for patients and families.
“We need to empower both the public and healthcare professionals to act sooner. Earlier diagnosis allows people to live better for longer, with the right support,” Dr. Orgeta emphasised.
The study adds to growing calls worldwide for more inclusive, accessible, and timely dementia care as populations age.