Alzheimer’s Research publish ‘Seeing the unseen: Rethinking dementia diagnosis’
Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) has published a new report entitled, ‘Seeing the unseen: Rethinking dementia diagnosis’.
The content in this report is informed by work Alzheimer’s Research UK did during 2024 and 2025 with over 500 people affected by dementia and more than 160 healthcare professionals working in NHS dementia services.
Findings include:
- Fewer than a third (27%) of healthcare professionals felt current diagnostic pathways are fit for purpose. Respondents described the system as “appalling”, “shameful” and “broken”, with many people “left to come to terms with the diagnosis alone.”
- One in five people (22%) were still waiting more than two years for a diagnosis after visiting their GP for help.
- More than nine in ten (94%) of healthcare professionals would welcome improvements to the diagnostic pathway.
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, says:
“Right now, there are tens of thousands of people with dementia in the UK living without a formal diagnosis. Many face long, confusing and fragmented journeys through NHS services just to get answers. For too many, this process is emotionally draining, practically difficult and far slower than it should be. This report brings together the voices of those at the heart of this challenge.
I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to this report. Your voices will shape our ongoing work as Alzheimer’s Research UK campaigns for a system that is ready for what is coming, and that works better for everyone affected by dementia.”
You can read the report here: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Seeing-the-Unseen-Rethinking-Dementia-Diagnosis-Online.pdf