Dementia Diagnoses in England Reach Record High as NHS Meets Longstanding Target

The number of people with a recorded dementia diagnosis in England has reached 523,081, according to the latest figures published by NHS England, as the health service meets its longstanding ambition for dementia diagnosis for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Primary Care Dementia Data, September 2026 report, published on 22 October, shows that 66.7% of people aged 65 and over estimated to be living with dementia had a recorded diagnosis on 30 September 2026.

This represents an increase from 66.2% at the end of June, with the number of recorded diagnoses rising by 6,851 over the three-month period.

The latest figures mark progress in identifying people who may otherwise have gone without a formal diagnosis, potentially delaying access to advice, treatment, care planning and support for their families.

However, the data also highlight the continuing scale of dementia across England and the importance of ensuring that improvements in diagnosis are matched by appropriate support throughout the course of the condition.

Care planning remains a key consideration

Alongside diagnosis figures, the NHS England report provides information on care planning, medication reviews, dementia subtypes, age, ethnicity, residence type and associated health conditions.

Of the 523,081 people with a recorded dementia diagnosis on 30 September, 329,398 – equivalent to 63% – had received a care plan or care plan review during the preceding 12 months.

The figures underline the importance of looking beyond diagnosis alone to ensure that people receive appropriate, ongoing support as their needs change.

Care planning can help identify individual needs, support decisions about treatment and care, and provide an opportunity to review how best to maintain a person’s wellbeing and quality of life.

For residential and nursing care providers, this is particularly relevant as people living with dementia may require increasingly tailored support, including assistance with daily activities, communication, mobility and other health conditions.

The report also recorded 162,607 medication reviews since 1 April 2026 among people who had a recorded dementia diagnosis, had received a dementia care plan or review in the preceding 12 months, and met the relevant criteria. This represented 49.4% of that group.

Medication reviews provide an opportunity for clinicians to assess whether prescribed medicines remain appropriate, taking account of a person’s circumstances and changing health needs.

Almost 35,000 diagnosed before the age of 65

The data also highlight the needs of people living with young-onset dementia.

A total of 34,989 people with a recorded dementia diagnosis had received their diagnosis before the age of 65, representing 6.7% of all recorded diagnoses.

Although dementia is more common among older people, younger individuals can also be affected, potentially presenting different challenges around employment, family responsibilities, financial security and access to appropriate services.

The NHS England publication includes information on dementia types, referrals to memory clinics and associated conditions, including delirium, frailty and mild cognitive impairment. These measures provide a broader picture of the health needs of people affected by dementia.

Diagnosis is only the beginning

Dr Jeremy Isaacs, national clinical director for dementia at NHS England, welcomed the achievement, saying the health service had reached its target of diagnosing more than two-thirds of people with dementia for the first time since before the pandemic, with around 50,000 more people diagnosed than when the target was last achieved.

He said a diagnosis was the first step towards ensuring that people could receive help, including care planning and medication reviews.

Dr Isaacs also highlighted the importance of recognising possible symptoms and encouraging people to seek an assessment through their GP.

As the number of people living with dementia continues to rise, he said, it is vital to develop a sustainable approach to long-term care, adding that NHS England is working with the Government on a national vision for dementia care.