Think it’s just aging? Why dementia is missed for 3.5 years on average

Many people with dementia endure long delays often over 3 years before receiving a diagnosis, with even longer waits for younger patients. A global review of over 30,000 cases reveals that age, dementia type, and systemic healthcare issues like specialist access and cultural barriers contribute to these delays. Researchers call for coordinated strategies to raise public awareness, reduce stigma, and train clinicians to recognize early symptoms and streamline referrals.