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Too many delay seeking dementia diagnosis, charity says | Too many delay seeking dementia diagnosis, charity says |
(about 3 hours later) | |
More than half of those seeking a diagnosis for dementia have delayed going to their GP by at least a year, according to a survey carried out by the Alzheimer's Society. | More than half of those seeking a diagnosis for dementia have delayed going to their GP by at least a year, according to a survey carried out by the Alzheimer's Society. |
The charity says nearly two-thirds of people fear a diagnosis would mean their life is over. | The charity says nearly two-thirds of people fear a diagnosis would mean their life is over. |
But it says an early diagnosis can actually help people to live as well as possible. | But it says an early diagnosis can actually help people to live as well as possible. |
And it wants everyone to confront head-on the challenges posed by dementia. | And it wants everyone to confront head-on the challenges posed by dementia. |
In a survey of 2,000 adults, almost half thought they would have to stop driving immediately while one in five feared losing their partner or friends if they were diagnosed with dementia. | In a survey of 2,000 adults, almost half thought they would have to stop driving immediately while one in five feared losing their partner or friends if they were diagnosed with dementia. |
Nearly 60% thought they would struggle to join in conversations and almost half worried people would think they were "mad" if faced with a diagnosis. | Nearly 60% thought they would struggle to join in conversations and almost half worried people would think they were "mad" if faced with a diagnosis. |
But the charity said these myths about dementia were stopping people from getting the best possible treatment and also preventing them from planning for the future. | But the charity said these myths about dementia were stopping people from getting the best possible treatment and also preventing them from planning for the future. |
When to see the doctor | When to see the doctor |
There are many possible symptoms of dementia, and anyone experiencing them is encouraged to see a doctor as soon as possible. Common symptoms include: | There are many possible symptoms of dementia, and anyone experiencing them is encouraged to see a doctor as soon as possible. Common symptoms include: |
Source: NHS | Source: NHS |
How to spot dementia in a loved one | How to spot dementia in a loved one |
Living at home with dementia | Living at home with dementia |
How can we keep Alzheimer's at bay? | |
One in three people surveyed said they didn't go and see their GP because they thought memory problems were just a natural part of the ageing process. | One in three people surveyed said they didn't go and see their GP because they thought memory problems were just a natural part of the ageing process. |
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said delays in seeking medical attention were something they wanted to change. | Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said delays in seeking medical attention were something they wanted to change. |
"Too many people are in the dark about dementia - many feel that a dementia diagnosis means someone is immediately incapable of living a normal life, while myths and misunderstandings continue to contribute to the stigma and isolation that many people will feel." | "Too many people are in the dark about dementia - many feel that a dementia diagnosis means someone is immediately incapable of living a normal life, while myths and misunderstandings continue to contribute to the stigma and isolation that many people will feel." |
He said he wanted to reassure people that life doesn't end when dementia begins. | He said he wanted to reassure people that life doesn't end when dementia begins. |
"There's no question that it can have a profound and devastating impact on people, their family and friends - but getting a timely diagnosis will enable people with dementia to live as well as possible." | "There's no question that it can have a profound and devastating impact on people, their family and friends - but getting a timely diagnosis will enable people with dementia to live as well as possible." |
There are around 850,000 people in the UK with a form of dementia - a figure that is predicted to rise to one million in less than 10 years and to two million by 2051. | There are around 850,000 people in the UK with a form of dementia - a figure that is predicted to rise to one million in less than 10 years and to two million by 2051. |
Have you or a loved one been affected by the issues in this story? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories. | Have you or a loved one been affected by the issues in this story? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories. |
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: |
Or please use the form below: | Or please use the form below: |