A new report from Alzheimer’s Society reveals a worrying picture of dementia care in the UK, highlighting significant gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and support. The Lived Experience Survey, which captured responses from almost 3,500 people affected by dementia, shows that one in five people living with dementia receive no healthcare, social care, or financial assistance at all.
Among those who do receive support, less than half are satisfied with the services provided, and only 29% say dementia-related healthcare is easy to access. The charity warns that the system is buckling under pressure, leaving families to cope alone with minimal guidance and limited resources.
The findings show that over one-third of people with dementia in the UK do not have an official diagnosis, meaning many are missing out on early treatment and essential support. Long NHS wait times, difficulties seeing specialists, and a lack of accessible information are some of the biggest barriers to diagnosis.
Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, emphasised the urgency:
“Almost a million people are living with dementia, yet too many remain without the help they desperately need. From delayed diagnoses to insufficient care, we must act now to close these gaps.”
Stigma also plays a major role, with two in five people saying they feel ashamed or stigmatised by their condition, preventing many from seeking help. Unpaid carers, particularly those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, face added challenges, with 60% reporting they do not feel respected by healthcare professionals.
The report calls for:
- Faster, more accurate dementia diagnosis across the UK
- Better access to trained care professionals
- Increased public awareness to reduce stigma
- Improved support for unpaid carers
Alzheimer’s Society hopes the findings will inspire governments, local authorities, healthcare providers, and communities to act urgently. The charity continues to lead initiatives like Dementia Friends, aimed at improving understanding and encouraging early intervention.
