Dementia care system failing patients in Wales, says charity
New findings have found people with dementia face prolonged delays to diagnosis followed by gaps in treatment and support
Last updated 18th May 2026
New findings have found that people with dementia routinely face prolonged delays to diagnosis followed by gaps and stark inequalities in treatment and support.
The charity Alzheimer’s Society Cymru says 'delays of this scale have quietly become routine for dementia, Wales’s biggest killer, but would not be accepted for cancer or heart disease'.
The UK report findings:
- Diagnosis delays: From first symptoms to diagnosis, people wait an average of 3.5 years - with almost six months of that spent waiting for diagnosis after GP referral to a memory clinic.
- Early signs going unnoticed: Estimates suggest around 15% of people aged 65+ in the UK have early memory problems, yet there's no national system in place to monitor progression to dementia.
- Left without support: One in five say they received no support after diagnosis, with families describing being “released into the wild”.
- Treatment inconsistencies: Only half of those prescribed dementia medication remain on it for a year, despite benefits of continued treatment.
The charity says it wants dementia care prioritised by the new Welsh Government
The findings from more than a thousand adults surveyed across Wales found that 91% believe that Wales must improve access to diagnosis.
The charity is calling on the new Welsh Government to publish and deliver a new dementia strategy that aims to improve diagnosis and access to quality care, treatments and support.
Gemma Roberts, Alzheimer’s Society’s National Influencing Manager, said:
“Right now, we are seeing delays throughout the dementia care system in Wales. At every stage, people are missed.
"Symptoms are missed, diagnosis is delayed, and support often comes too late"
“This is not a backlog problem. It is a system that is missing people at every stage and while the system waits, dementia progresses - stealing time, independence and dignity. While the focus is on waiting lists, people with dementia aren't even in the queue. Welsh Government action can’t wait.”
Moira Owens is from Caernarfon, Gwynedd. Her husband Idwal Owens was diagnosed with Parkinson’s seven years ago, then follow up tests revealed he also has vascular dementia.
Moira said: “It was such a shock when they told me straight out, he has dementia – I wasn’t expecting it. Then I asked what they were going to do about it but there was no help, no advice, no name for me to contact. He wasn’t offered any treatment. We left the appointment without any support or guidance at all.
“I want the people making decisions to understand our needs and make dementia a priority. We must shout loud about dementia. It’s not like when you’ve broken your arm or you’ve hurt your face – it’s not obvious, you can’t see it. It’s hidden. I want leaders in Wales to sit up and listen.
“My hope is that people will not be in the same place as me when Idwal was diagnosed"
"I don’t want to see the partners, friends and family of people who are newly diagnosed left on their own.”
In response to the charity's findings and requests, the Welsh Government said:
“Dementia is a significant health and social care issue with heavy emotional and practical impacts for those with the condition, along with their families, friends and carers.
“The First Minister has now appointed his Cabinet which he has said will have a relentless focus on doing what’s best for Wales. Each Minister will be setting out their priorities shortly.”
“A consultation on a new Dementia Strategy for Wales has recently concluded, and the feedback received will help inform the development of any new strategy".