'Let GPs carry out tests to cut wait time for diagnosis of dementia cases'

DEMENTIA care in England is not good enough, the NHS's head on the illness admits.

- Rosie Taylor

Four out of five patients wait too long for a diagnosis and then face a postcode lottery in the quality of their care and support, he said.

Official statistics show 82% of patients wait longer than the target of six weeks for a diagnosis and care plan after being referred for suspected dementia. Nearly half wait more than 18 weeks - and those living in the most deprived areas wait the longest.

Dr Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England's national clinical director for dementia, described waiting times for memory clinics as “a challenge” and suggested the target be shifted from six to 18 weeks.