Dementia Action Week takes place from 18–24 May 2026. Led by the Alzheimer’s Society, this year’s campaign focuses on diagnosis, calling on the Government and NHS to make timely dementia diagnosis a priority.
The scale of the issue is significant. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, someone in the UK develops dementia roughly every three minutes, and nearly one million people are currently living with the condition. Despite this, an estimated one in three people living with dementia do not have a formal diagnosis.
Why diagnosis matters
A timely diagnosis can open the door to:
- Access to treatment, advice and support services
- The opportunity to plan ahead while a person can still be involved in decisions about their own care
- Helping families understand what to expect and how best to offer support
- Reducing the fear and uncertainty that often comes with unexplained symptoms
Without a diagnosis, individuals and families can be left trying to manage changes and challenges without the right information or support in place.
Common barriers to getting a diagnosis
There are many reasons a diagnosis can be delayed or missed altogether, including:
- Symptoms being mistaken for normal ageing
- Stigma or fear around what a dementia diagnosis might mean
- Difficulty accessing GP appointments or memory assessment services
- Reluctance to seek help, particularly if someone is managing well day-to-day
Signs it may be time to seek advice
Every person is different, but signs that may be worth discussing with a GP include:
- Increasing memory difficulties that affect daily life
- Struggling to follow conversations or find the right words
- Noticeable changes in mood, personality or behaviour
- Difficulty managing familiar tasks, such as finances or medication
Supporting someone through diagnosis and beyond
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions for both the individual and their family. Support at this stage often makes a real difference — whether that’s practical help at home, emotional support, or simply having someone experienced to turn to with questions.
How we can help
At Synergy Complex Care, we provide person-centred dementia care that focuses on understanding each individual — their history, preferences and routines — rather than just their diagnosis.
Our experienced carers support clients to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home wherever possible, building trusted relationships, maintaining helpful routines, and working closely with families and healthcare professionals throughout.
This Dementia Action Week, we’re reminded that early diagnosis and the right support can help people living with dementia live well for longer. If you would like to discuss care and support options for a loved one, our team is here to help.