Top Tips for why Diagnosis Still Matters
Dementia Action Week takes place from 18th – 24th May 2026.
Why Diagnosis Still Matters
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, around 1 in 3 people in the UK who are living with dementia do not have a diagnosis. That means many people are navigating memory changes, confusion or distress without clear explanations or access to specialist support.
At the same time, 91% of people affected by dementia say there are benefits to getting a diagnosis, including understanding what is happening, planning ahead and accessing the right help.
Diagnosis does not solve everything. It does not remove fear or uncertainty. But it can open doors to support, language and understanding, for the person and for the people around them.
During the month of Dementia Action Week, it is worth revisiting why diagnosis still matters, especially when conversations about dementia can feel difficult, delayed or avoided.
This Week’s Top Tips
Noticing
- Notice when someone’s difficulties are being explained away as “just ageing” rather than explored thoughtfully
- Pay attention to how uncertainty affects confidence, mood and sense of identity
- Remember that families may be struggling with questions long before they ask for help
Responding
- Use clear, compassionate language when talking about memory concerns
- Normalise assessment as a way of getting support, not a label or failure
- Be honest about what diagnosis can and cannot offer
Creating the conditions
- Share information about routes to assessment in a calm, non‑urgent way
- Work alongside GPs, community services and voluntary organisations where possible
- Keep the focus on what matters to the person, not only the diagnosis itself
A Gentle Reminder
Diagnosis is not about taking something away. It is about helping people make sense of their experiences and ensuring they are not facing dementia alone.
Over to You
You might like to notice one opportunity this week to talk about dementia openly, without rushing, fear or assumptions, and see what difference that makes.
Dementia Action Week is about moving from awareness to action, often through small, thoughtful conversations.
