After How Long Is Dementia Usually Diagnosed? Study Provides Crucial Insights - Video

A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry has found that people with dementia are diagnosed, on average, 3.5 years after their symptoms first appear. For those with early-onset dementia, this delay is even longer, with an average of 4.1 years before receiving a diagnosis.

The study analysed information from 13 previously published studies conducted in Europe, the United States, Australia, and China, collectively involving over 30,000 participants. Researchers focused on the gap between the initial observation of dementia symptoms typically recorded by patients or family carers during interviews or found in medical records and the final clinical diagnosis.

Through a pooled meta-analysis of ten studies, the researchers determined the average diagnostic delay and found that certain populations face even longer waits. People with a younger age at onset and those with frontotemporal dementia were more likely to experience delayed diagnosis. Limited but concerning data also indicated that racial disparities may exist, with one study showing that Black patients had a longer average wait for diagnosis.

Lead author Dr. Vasiliki Orgeta of the UCL Division of Psychiatry explained the urgency behind the findings: “Timely diagnosis can improve access to treatments and, for some people, prolong the time living with mild dementia before symptoms worsen.” She added that addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including greater public awareness, reduced stigma, better clinician training, and improved access to early intervention services.

The researchers hope their work will encourage collaboration among healthcare professionals, patients, and carers to streamline the diagnostic process and ensure timely support for those affected by dementia.

Reference: Kusoro, Olubunmi, Moïse Roche, Rafael Del-Pino-Casado, Phuong Leung, and Vasiliki Orgeta. 2025. “Time to Diagnosis in Dementia: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry: e70129. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.70129.