Five-month wait to find out whether you have dementia, data shows - with some patients waiting almost 12 months By Xantha Leatham For The Daily Mail Published: 00:43 BST, 10 August 2024 | Updated: 00:47 BST, 10 August 2024 e-mail View comments Suspected dementia sufferers are waiting five months on average to be given an NHS diagnosis, data shows. A national audit carried out by the Royal College of Psychiatrists reveals the average wait from referral reached 22 weeks last year, with some patients waiting almost 12 months. In 2019 the average wait time stood at around 13 weeks.
Experts said the figures mean thousands are being left without care, support or treatment. The data also showed that waiting times in deprived areas can be ‘significantly longer', and just 2.1 per cent of people with suspected dementia undergo specialist investigations.
Dr Mohan Bhat, chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Old Age Faculty, said: ‘It is concerning that waiting times for dementia diagnoses are increasing, with many people facing a postcode lottery when trying to access support. Suspected dementia sufferers are waiting an average of five months to be diagnosed, with some waiting almost a year, new data has shown (file photo) Just 2.1 per cent of people with suspected dementia undergo specialist investigations, the data showed (file photo) Read More EXCLUSIVE: Take the test that can show if you might have dementia - and if it's time to seek help ‘People who receive timely .