Almost 1 / 4 of individuals with signs of dementia wait greater than six months to hunt medical assist, a survey suggests.

Alzheimer’s Society analysis additionally discovered one in three who noticed worrying indicators in themselves, or in a beloved one, saved quiet about their fears for greater than a month earlier than telling anybody.

The commonest causes for staying silent included pondering the signs had been attributable to ageing (64 %), not wanting to fret a beloved one (33) and considerations about how relationships may change (16).

Dementia Action Week runs till Sunday – and the charity is highlighting that dementia isn't a standard a part of ageing, in a marketing campaign titled “It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill.”

It urges individuals to hunt assist with getting a prognosis as quickly as they've considerations.

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Kate Lee, the chief govt of Alzheimer’s Society, stated: “We can’t continue to avoid the ‘D word’ – we need to face dementia head-on.

“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.”

Every three minutes a particular person develops dementia within the UK and it's thought 1.6 million will likely be dwelling with it by 2040. Diagnosis charges fell to a five-year low in the course of the pandemic and stay stagnant. Tens of hundreds of people who find themselves undiagnosed could miss out on assist to handle signs and to plan for the following steps.

Yet remedy advances have made it extra vital than ever to acquire a prognosis: the medication lecanemab and donanemab can gradual development by 25 and 36 %, research present.

The first such therapies could also be given on the NHS quickly if these most definitely to profit could be recognized.

Kate stated: “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.

“We’re dedicated to providing help and hope to everyone affected by dementia – nine in 10 people told us they benefitted from getting a diagnosis, helping them access the treatments, support and advice.”

The survey of 1,100 adults discovered that 44 % feared individuals would converse right down to them or their beloved one after a prognosis, or deal with them like a toddler.

Dr Amir Khan, from ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, stated: “Despite 900,000 people in the UK having dementia, I still see a huge amount of misunderstanding and stigma.

“A third of us will go on to develop dementia. Reaching out to ask for help can feel a scary prospect but it’s better to know.”

For assist and the guidelines, go to alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss

"The man I married 30 years ago was slipping away"

Repeating the identical questions was one of many first indicators Simon Ruscoe had early onset dementia.

He was identified in 2019, aged 55, after his spouse Emma begged him to see a physician.

She stated: “It started in the car – he asked me a question, and then asked me the same thing moments later.

“He began losing objects, forgetting things and becoming withdrawn from everyone.

“I was terrified. The man I married over 30 years ago was slipping away and I didn’t know why or what to do.”

Emma, 55, of Solihull, West Midlands, stated Simon was reluctant to speak about his signs as a result of he feared how he can be handled. She stated: “Our friends thought I made it up and was experiencing menopause or stress.

“The experience was frightening, stepping into the unknown. But we came out of the doctor’s appointment knowing what the future held and how we would deal with it together.”

Receiving a prognosis proved an enormous reduction and helped the couple and their sons, Oliver, 21, and Alex, 25, get the precise assist.

Emma stated: “It took Simon nine months to say out loud that he had dementia. But you have to – there is no shame in seeking help.

“It allowed us to plan for the future and get the support and advice we desperately needed. I want others to know there is help out there.”