Many patients with dementia waited for three years
before their carer reported early symptoms to their
doctor.
Experts say this delay could deny patients the chance
of treatment - or to prepare for the onset of the
progressive disease.
In addition, the survey, carried out by the
Alzheimer's Society, revealed that the majority of GPs
did not feel confident about either giving a diagnosis
of dementia - or giving information about it to
relatives.
Early Alzheimer's symptoms include memory problems,
disorientation and confusion.
However, more than half of all current carers waited
years before getting a medical opinion.
Professor Murna Downs, from the University of
Bradford, who led the research, said: "Three years is
far too long for someone to wait.
"We need to let people know that there are many new
services and drug treatments for people with dementia."
There are drug treatments for dementia - but the
earlier they are given, the more benefit there is for
the patient.
Rising trend
The research focused on hundreds of patients and
their carers, and was conducted over a three year
period.
One in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five
aged 80 or over are affected by dementia - half with the
most common form, Alzheimer's disease.
Harry Clayton, the chief executive of the Alzheimer's
Society, said: "People with dementia are clear in what
they want.
"Among the things they value are an accurate
diagnosis given sensitively, prompt referral to
specialist services, access to new treatments and good
information about dementia and support services."
It is estimated that the total number of people with
dementia will rise as the population ages.
