Make dementia diagnosis a right – not a waiting game.
Dementia is the UK’s leading cause of death. Yet 1 in 3 people with dementia are living without a diagnosis.
That’s not just a crisis. It’s wrong.
Because behind every diagnosis is a person — a partner, parent, friend — left in the dark. Unheard. Unseen.
A diagnosis won't fix everything. But it changes everything. It brings answers, support, and the chance to take part in research for a cure.
Sign the petition now. Demand the right to be seen — for an early, accurate diagnosis.
I knew something was seriously wrong with Marie. It took four years to get a brain scan. The wait was unbearable. But many people never even get a scan, let alone a diagnosis.
What we're calling for
Dementia is the greatest health challenge of our time. But right now, even with the best efforts of professionals, the health system still leaves too many unseen.
This campaign isn’t about blame — it’s about doing what’s right. Better answers. Better support. Better progress for a cure.
A better future for everyone affected. We need the Government to act — to prioritise dementia now, and guarantee the right to an early, accurate diagnosis for everyone.
Progress is coming — but only if people get the chance to benefit from it. We must act now.
Tell the government: an early, accurate dementia diagnosis must be a right — for everyone.
Delivering Dementia Diagnosis: A Blueprint for the Future
Every person in the UK who is developing or has dementia should have the right to know the disease or diseases causing it, and to be diagnosed early enough to make the biggest difference.
To make this happen, we need urgent and coordinated action with phased investment from government and the NHS in the form of a 10-Year Blueprint for Dementia Diagnosis that:
- Sets national standards for dementia diagnosis to reduce unwarranted variation.
- Enables delivery by strengthening memory services and multidisciplinary teams.
- Unlocks innovation to enhance productivity and deliver cutting-edge services.
- Harnesses data by modernising systems to improve quality, accessibility and transparency.
Dementia diagnosis: demand to be seen
We’re calling for early, accurate dementia diagnosis — but what does that really mean? Read our explainer on the urgent changes the government must make and why it matters.
Getting a dementia diagnosis
The information on these pages is for anyone who is concerned about symptoms of dementia, and for those who would like more information about how dementia is diagnosed.
Judi Dench demands dementia action
Dame Judi Dench urges support for faster, fairer dementia diagnoses in the UK. Join her and Alzheimer’s Research UK in calling for urgent government reform.
A diagnosis shouldn’t take four years
Behind every missed or delayed diagnosis is a person — someone’s partner, parent, or friend searching for answers but left feeling unseen.