According to reports, a new study abroad shows that one in four people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease for more than two years before being diagnosed. The main reasons for delaying diagnosis include mistaking it for signs of aging, refusing to see a doctor, and waiting for a long time to see a specialist.
The Alzheimer’s Association conducted the study. The association had previously warned that Alzheimer’s diagnoses had fallen sharply since the outbreak began, with about 30,000 fewer diagnoses in two years.
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, some people have had to wait up to a year to get help from their GPs and memory-related clinics, experts have warned.
Long waits for a diagnosis will exacerbate the situation and make it harder for vulnerable patients.
Data from 28 NHS organisations shows that 2,545 patients had to wait at least six months for a diagnosis after being suspected of having dementia.
The study, which surveyed more than 1,000 people with dementia and their caregivers, found that 26 percent had lived with the condition for more than two years before being diagnosed.
42% said the main reason for delaying diagnosis was because they thought their symptoms were just a sign of aging. Thirty-one percent said they had never previously acknowledged it was dementia.
23% of those who took two years to get a diagnosis said they had been referred by a GP for specialist help but faced a lengthy waiting.
The Alzheimer’s Society and the Royal College of General Practitioners have developed a new checklist to help people identify the symptoms of dementia and seek help in getting a diagnosis.
The list includes whether people have memory problems, such as difficulty finding the right words or repeating questions and phrases; daily life problems, such as difficulty paying bills or getting lost; behavioral or Emotional problems, such as becoming aggressive, withdrawn, or walking strangely.
Alzheimer’s Association also launched a new program – “It’s not called getting old, it’s called sick” to encourage people worried about themselves or a loved one to seek help.
Kate Lee, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, said: “Ask the same question over and over isn’t getting old, it’s getting sick. Loved ones are concerned, take the first step to Dementia Action Week and come to the Alzheimer’s Association for support.”
Kate Lee said their survey has shown signs of concern about Alzheimer’s disease The importance of patient assistance. Provides people with access to treatment, care and support, and gives them precious time to plan for the future.
Many respondents to the survey said they only sought help in times of crisis. Two-thirds said they had trouble taking care of themselves when they sought out help, and one-third said they sought help after an unexpected event.
Kate Lee believes the drop in diagnoses means many people have struggled to get help since the outbreak, but it is crucial that people contact their GP, “seeking help more than ever before” Anytime is more important.”
Dr. Jill Rasmussen, Dementia Clinical Specialist at the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “For patients, families and doctors, Dementia should be communicated as early as possible.”
Jiu Pai News Intern Reporter Yuan Jiabei