- New research reveals it takes an average of 3.5 years to diagnose dementia after the first symptoms appear, with early-onset cases potentially taking up to four years.
- Experts stress the critical importance of early diagnosis for effective symptom management and improving patients' future quality of life.
- Delays are attributed to factors such as symptom confusion, societal stigma, inconsistent medical practices, and limited access to specialist care.
- The findings stem from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 international studies, which also highlighted potential racial disparities in diagnostic timelines.
- Separately, a new test has been developed that scientists claim can predict dementia up to nine years before diagnosis with 80 per cent accuracy.
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