New research reveals one in three wait over a month to speak out about dementia worries

One in three people (33%) who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one keep their fears to themselves for over a month, an Alzheimer's Society survey to mark Dementia Action Week has revealed.  

We talked to people worried they or their loved one might have dementia, people with a diagnosis, and carers, and found:

• just 15% brought up the issue straight away
• 11% still haven’t raised their worries after spotting the first symptom. 

This delay is having a knock-on impact on how soon people are able to get help as 23% waited over six months before they spoke to a medical professional.

Confusing dementia symptoms with normal ageing was the top reason people stayed silent (64%)

This was followed by not wanting to worry their loved one (33%), and fears of how their relationships might change (16%). 

Worryingly, the survey of more than 1,100 people, showed there is still a fear of stigma – 44% said they were scared people would speak down to them or their loved one after they were diagnosed, or treat them like a child.

‘It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill’ 

Our campaign - ‘It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill’ - encourages people who are worried about their memory, or the memory of someone close to them, to seek support in getting a diagnosis, using a ‘symptoms checklist’, which is available through our online hub.

Kate Lee, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“We can’t continue to avoid the ‘d’ word – we need to face dementia head on.

"This Dementia Action Week we want everyone to know there is support out there if you’re confused about symptoms, or don’t know how to have that first tricky conversation.  

“As soon as you realise something is not right, come to Alzheimer’s Society - you can use our symptoms checklist to help have that all-important first chat with your GP."

One person develops dementia every three minutes

In the UK, one person develops dementia every three minutes – that means that by 2040, 1.6m people will be living with the condition.

Resident doctor on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, Dr Amir Khan, said: “A third of us will go on to develop dementia in our lifetimes – we need to change the idea that getting dementia is inevitable as we age - it’s not called getting old - it’s called getting ill."

If you, or someone close to you, is experiencing signs of dementia, we're here to help. This Dementia Action Week we're encouraging individuals and their families to seek a timely diagnosis and avoid reaching crisis point.