Dame Judi Dench Backs Call For Government Action On Dementia Diagnosis

Oscar winner and seven-time Academy Award nominee Dame Judi Dench is supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK’s latest campaign – Dementia Unseen – and urging the public to sign a petition calling for the UK Government to make early and accurate dementia diagnosis a right for everyone.

Speaking about her experience of the condition, Dame Judi said: “Dementia doesn’t just take away memories – it can take away identity, connection, and the future you thought you had. Watching loved ones slip away, and not knowing why, is an experience no one should have to go through without answers.”

Nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia, yet one in three have not been formally diagnosed. Some people are waiting up to a year for a diagnosis after being referred by their GP, with those in the most deprived areas facing even longer delays. People in rural and ethnic minority communities are also at greater risk of going undiagnosed altogether.

“Many people across the UK are still waiting far too long for a dementia diagnosis – or never receive one at all. That means they miss out on vital support, on the chance to plan ahead, opportunities to get involved in research, and on precious time. A diagnosis may not fix everything, but it gives people understanding, clarity, and some control at a time when everything feels uncertain. It allows families to make the most of the moments they have left,” she continued.

The call for change comes just months after the UK government announced it would shelve a key target to diagnose 66.7% of those aged 65 and over with dementia, a decision that experts say signals a lack of priority for dementia diagnosis in the NHS.

To address this, Alzheimer’s Research UK is now calling on the Government calling for people to be referred by their GP to see a specialist within six weeks – and to have a diagnosis and treatment plan in place within 18 weeks.

The charity is also calling for efforts to speed up the adoption of new technologies, like blood tests and better use of healthcare data, to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.

The petition, organised by Alzheimer’s Research UK, is gaining widespread support and Dame Judi is urging the public to sign and stand with the charity.

“Together, we can call on government to fix the crumbling diagnosis system and make sure no one faces dementia unseen,” she said.

Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, expressed her gratitude for Dame Judi’s support:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Dame Judi for helping shine a light on what people with dementia need – and to everyone who has already signed our petition and stands with us. More people are seeking answers, so it’s vital that the NHS and government act now to fix the system – because no one should face dementia alone or unseen.”