Last Updated: July 24, 2026

This Dementia Action Week, Beth Britton looks into the latest statistics on dementia and offers advice about what you can do if you or a loved one are experiencing potential dementia symptoms.

You might imagine that if you or someone in your family is beginning to develop dementia symptoms that sharing your concerns with a loved one, and seeking medical advice, would be something most people would do fairly quickly.

However, as information from the latest Alzheimer’s Society survey, conducted to mark this year’s Dementia Action Week shows, that’s not the case. The findings highlighted that ‘One in three people (33%) who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one keep their fears to themselves for over a month. Just 15% brought up the issue straight away and 11% still haven’t raised their worries after spotting the first symptom. This delay is having a knock-on impact on how soon people are able to get help – 23% waited over six months before they spoke to a medical professional.’

Source: Yonder Data Solutions for Alzheimer’s Society.

Alzheimer’s Society explained the reasons behind these statistics, stating, ‘Confusing dementia symptoms with normal ageing was the top reason people stayed silent (64%), followed by not wanting to worry their loved one (33%), and fears of how their relationships might change (16%). 

‘Worryingly, the survey of more than 1,100 people, showed there is still a fear of stigma – 44% said they were scared people would speak down to them or their loved one after they were diagnosed, or treat them like a child.’


Source: Yonder Data Solutions for Alzheimer’s Society.

Why is it important to speak up about dementia?

Knowing if you or someone in your family has dementia is vital in opening doors to many local support services across the UK, as well as a prescription for any dementia medication that is suitable, non-drug therapies like Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) that may be offered by your local Memory Clinic, and some dementia research opportunities.

As Dr Amir Khan, from ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, says, ‘Reaching out to ask for help can feel a scary prospect but it’s better to know. Patients I’ve seen getting a timely, accurate diagnosis have had the chance to benefit from treatments and support from organisations like Alzheimer’s Society.’

Understanding and documenting your symptoms

So, what might your first steps be to opening up a conversation about dementia with a family member, friend or healthcare professional? Understanding your or your loved one’s symptoms (the NHS has more information on common dementia symptoms) is a good starting point, alongside completing the Alzheimer’s Society symptoms checklist.

The checklist gives you prompts about common symptoms and enables you to document what is happening. It also provides space to note any symptoms or concerns you have that aren’t covered by the checklist and write down when your last hearing and sight tests were. Having this information to hand will give you a starting point for discussions and may remove pressure to explain everything verbally, especially if you’re worrying about forgetting to mention something that you’re experiencing.

While you are waiting for your appointments

We’re all familiar with hearing about delays in getting appointments and referrals in the NHS, and you may find there is a wait for your initial GP appointment, visit to your local Memory Clinic, or brain scan. This can be a difficult time, and keeping busy finding ways to support yourself or your relative may be helpful. There are plenty of resources on the internet related to dementia, including: 

Access to services and support online is not dependent on having a diagnosis, so you don’t need to wait to find out information that can help you or a family member to live as happy and productive a life as possible today. This is especially important if the wait for your diagnosis is causing mental health problems like anxiety and depression. It might be particularly useful to research interventions like: 

It’s also never too early to think about strategies to cope better with the changes you or your family member are experiencing, and publications including ‘From Dementia to Rementia’ by Jackie Pool provide structure and advice. Life story work is also worth starting at any point in a person’s life. NAPA (National Activity Providers Association) has a free, comprehensive life story resource on its website. 

Further resources focused on getting a dementia diagnosis

Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK are the best places to start for additional information about getting a dementia diagnosis.