One in Five Dementia Patients Lack Essential Support, Report Shows

A recent survey conducted by the Alzheimer’s Society reveals that one in five people living with dementia in the United Kingdom receives no health, social, or financial support. This alarming statistic underscores critical deficiencies in care and raises urgent calls for improvements in services and public awareness.

The survey, which captured the experiences of nearly 3,500 individuals affected by dementia—including those diagnosed, unpaid carers, and family members—highlights significant barriers within the healthcare system. Among the findings, less than half of those receiving assistance reported that their needs were fully met, indicating a pressing demand for enhanced services and support systems.

Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “Almost a million people are living with dementia, yet its scale and the day-to-day realities often remain hidden,” she stated. “Far too many people are going without the help they need—whether it’s support after a diagnosis, trained care professionals, or someone to turn to when things get hard.”

Barriers to Diagnosis and Care

The survey also revealed troubling insights regarding the diagnosis process. Only one-third of respondents reported a positive experience when seeking a diagnosis, with 52% citing long wait times and 41% mentioning the need to see multiple healthcare professionals. Alarmingly, fewer than half of those diagnosed received information about the specific type of dementia they have.

Stigma appears to be a significant barrier as well, with two in five respondents feeling ashamed or stigmatised because of their condition. This stigma may contribute to low diagnosis rates, as many individuals hesitate to seek help due to concerns about societal perceptions. Additionally, 46% of those surveyed were unsure about whom to contact for social care support, a figure that rose to 62% among ethnically diverse respondents.

Professor Carragher noted the importance of early and accurate diagnosis. “An early and accurate diagnosis is vital to enable people living with dementia to access the care, support, and treatments they so desperately need,” she explained. “We are working with governments across the UK to ensure an ambitious diagnosis rate target is implemented, and we are pushing for all care staff to undertake dementia training.”

Challenges Faced by Unpaid Carers

The experiences of unpaid carers were a significant focus of this survey, revealing widespread feelings of neglect and underappreciation. A staggering 38% of unpaid carers reported feeling disrespected by social care professionals, a sentiment that rose to 60% among carers from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Moreover, 70% of unpaid carers indicated that their mental or physical health had deteriorated as a result of their caregiving duties, leading to increased social isolation and less time for enjoyable activities. Alarmingly, one in seven carers reported being unaware of any support available to them.

The survey also highlighted the stress associated with the dementia diagnosis process. A significant 72% of people with dementia and 63% of unpaid carers found the process to be stressful, further complicating their ability to access necessary support.

These findings from the Alzheimer’s Society’s survey serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and the public alike. The urgent need for comprehensive support systems and increased awareness is critical to address the challenges faced by those living with dementia and their families. As the report concludes, society must rally together to ensure that every individual affected by dementia receives the care and support they deserve.