A UCL-led study finds dementia diagnoses are delayed by an average of 3.5 years after symptoms appear, with even longer waits for early-onset cases
A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) has discovered that individuals with dementia are often diagnosed an average of 3.5 years after the initial symptoms appear. This delay increases to 4.1 years for cases of early-onset dementia. Published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, this study is the first global systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the delays in dementia diagnosis.
The urgency of timely dementia diagnosis is a pressing global challenge
Dementia remains a public health concern, with specific strategies in place aimed at improving diagnosis time. Despite its prevalence, research has shown that only 50%–65% of cases are diagnosed in high-income countries, with rates much lower in low and middle-income settings. As dementia cases continue to rise, there is a growing urgency to ensure timely diagnosis so that patients receive appropriate treatment and support when it can make the most difference.
The researchers reviewed data from 13 previously published studies, conducted in Europe, the US, Australia, and China, which included data from 30,257 participants. This study aimed to establish the average interval between symptom onset (as reported by patients or family caregivers through interviews or medical records) and the final diagnosis of dementia.
Lead author Dr Vasiliki Orgeta (UCL Division of Psychiatry) said: “Timely diagnosis of dementia remains a major global challenge, shaped by a complex set of factors, and specific healthcare strategies are urgently needed to improve it. Other studies estimate that only 50-65% of cases are ever diagnosed in high-income countries, with many countries having even lower diagnostic rates.
“Timely diagnosis can improve access to treatments and, for some people, prolong the time living with mild dementia before symptoms worsen.”
Long delays for diagnosis
In a pooled meta-analysis of 10 included studies, the researchers found that it typically takes 3.5 years from the first alert of symptoms to a patient receiving a diagnosis of dementia, or 4.1 years for those with early-onset dementia, with some groups experiencing longer delays.
The researchers found that younger age at onset and having frontotemporal dementia were linked to longer time to diagnosis. While data on racial disparities were limited, one of the studies reviewed found that black patients tended to experience a longer delay before diagnosis.
Dr Orgeta said, “Our work highlights the need for a clear conceptual framework on time to diagnosis in dementia, developed in collaboration with people with dementia, their carers, and supporters.”
Dr Phuong Leung (UCL Division of Psychiatry) said: “Symptoms of dementia are often mistaken for normal ageing, while fear, stigma, and low public awareness can discourage people from seeking help.”
Professor Rafael Del-Pino-Casado, of the University of Jaén, Spain, said: “Within healthcare systems, inconsistent referral pathways, limited access to specialists, and under-resourced memory clinics can create further delays. For some, language differences or a lack of culturally appropriate assessment tools can make access to a timely diagnosis even harder.”
Dr Orgeta added, “To speed up dementia diagnosis, we need action on multiple fronts. Public awareness campaigns can help improve understanding of early symptoms and reduce stigma, encouraging people to seek help sooner. Clinician training is critical to improve early recognition and referral, along with access to early intervention and individualised support so that people with dementia and their families can get the help they need.”
