A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that dementia diagnoses take an average of 3.5 years after symptoms are first noticed. Early-onset dementia may take an average of 4.1 years for a diagnosis, with certain groups more prone to experiencing longer delays. Dementia is a growing public health concern affecting over 57 million people globally, and timely diagnosis helps individuals access timely treatment and prevent symptoms from worsening. Early signs and symptoms of dementia include confusion, memory loss, problem-solving difficulties, language difficulties, mood changes, difficulty with familiar tasks, visual and spatial difficulties, loss of initiative, and repetitive behavior. Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely intervention and improved quality of life. Specific health care strategies are urgently needed to improve the situation.
