Suranne Jones among campaigners for ‘bold and ambitious’ strategy to help dementia patients facing ‘months of delays’ for diagnosis
The actress was joined by fellow celebrity Alzheimer's Society ambassadors to appeal to Number 10 to improve waiting times for diagnosis of the condition
Vigil actress Suranne Jones is among campaigners calling for a "bold and ambitious" plan to improve access to early and accurate diagnosis of dementia.
Presenter Jon Snow revealed in June that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia, in 2023.
With research suggesting many members of the public face "months of delays" when it comes to getting a diagnosis of the cognitive condition, Jon, Suranne and other Alzheimer's Society ambassadors have signed a letter urging the government to improve how dementia is addressed and treated.
They were joined by Vicky McClure, Sir Jonathan Pryce and Dame Meera Syal, in signing the letter that outlines better treatment is required for those affected by dementia, which was handed in to Downing Street on September 2.
The campaign asks the government to set an ambitious goal to reduce the number of people that die from dementia; ensure robust plans are in place to deliver disease modifying treatments, as they become available; support the delivery of high-quality dementia training for the social care workforce; and ensure everyone can access an early and accurate diagnosis.
The call to action for improvements to dementia care comes as a survey by the Alzheimer's Society of just over 1,000 UK carers of people with dementia, found 45% had waited over six months for a dementia diagnosis after asking for help.
Of 868 carers supporting someone who had been officially diagnosed with dementia, 46% said waiting times for a diagnosis had affected their work. A further 35% said it had made it harder to plan for the future, while three in 10 felt their life was on hold while they waited.
The charity wants the government to introduce a new nationally recognised standard care pathway to ensure people with dementia receive an accurate diagnosis within 18 weeks of a GP referral. This would include having a care plan in place and access to treatment where appropriate.
As such a plan already exists for all other major health conditions, Michelle Dyson chief executive at Alzheimer’s Society says it would never be accepted for someone to be "left to work out the next steps on their own" after being diagnosed with cancer, but this is "the reality for too many people affected by dementia”.
Michelle says, "A dementia diagnosis can bring answers, understanding and access to the support, treatment and care that can make a real difference to people’s lives. But we know things can be so much better."
She adds, "Too many families spend months, and sometimes years, waiting for answers while their dementia progresses.
“It is like trying to plan a journey without knowing where you are going or when you will arrive. Behind every delayed diagnosis is a family living with uncertainty and trying to prepare for the future without the support they need."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson says, "This government is determined to strengthen the support that is available both to individuals affected by dementia, and the family members who look after them.
"We are bringing forward the timetable for Baroness Casey’s commission on reform of the social care system, and we are appointing a new dementia tsar to help lead our work in that area, as recommended by Baroness Casey.
"We are also implementing a new action plan for unpaid carers to ensure that they receive the support and recognition they deserve for the selfless work they do."
