09/11/2023
'I was terrified, the man I married over 30 years ago was slipping away, and I didn’t know why or what to do. The diagnosis was a huge relief. It’s difficult to accept - it took Simon nine months to say out loud that he had dementia. But it allowed our family to plan for the future and get the support and advice we desperately needed.'
Emma Ruscoe's husband, Simon was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2019, aged just 55. This Dementia Action Week, we want everyone to know support is out there if you’re worried about symptoms - or don’t know how to have that first tricky conversation.
Our CEO, Kate Lee, says: 'We can’t continue to avoid the ‘d’ word – we need to face dementia head-on. We’re dedicated to providing help and hope to everyone affected by dementia – 9 in 10 people told us they benefitted from getting a diagnosis, helping them access the treatments, support and advice it unlocks.'
Dementia diagnosis rates hit a five-year low during the pandemic and have stagnated ever since - leaving tens of thousands of people with undiagnosed dementia. Our latest research shows:
- 33% who notice symptoms in themselves or a loved one keep their fears a secret for over a month.
- Only 15% brought up the issue with loved ones straight away.
- 23% waited over six months before they spoke to a medical professional.
- 64% stayed silent because they confused dementia symptoms with normal ageing.
- 44% were scared people would speak down to them or their loved one after they were diagnosed.
One person develops dementia every three minutes in the UK – meaning that by 2040, 1.6 million people will be living with the condition. Breaking the stigma today will ensure future generations can access vital support immediately and that no one battles dementia alone.
If you're concerned that you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be signs of dementia, we're here for you.
Use our symptoms checklist to seek support in getting a diagnosis - it can help with starting conversations and remembering everything you want to say during a GP appointment: alzheimers.org.uk/checklist. Or give us a call on 0333 150 3456.
