Dame Judi Dench was nominated for an Oscar for her role in 2001 movie Iris, which saw her play Iris Murdoch, who struggled with Alzheimer’s.
The actress is now backing calls for the British government to improve access to early and accurate diagnoses of dementia within the National Health Service (NHS).
Nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia, of which Alzheimer’s is one form, yet one in three are currently living without a diagnosis. In England, some people wait up to a year for a diagnosis, after being referred, and people in the most deprived regions face even longer delays.
Alzheimer’s Research UK has launched a campaign calling for the government to improve this and has enlisted Dench’s help. The campaign – Dementia Unseen – comes just months after the government announced plans to shelve a key target to diagnose 66.7% of over-65s with the condition.
The charity wants 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 number of people with dementia is expected to rise by 43% by 2040.
“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,” Dench said. “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.”
“Everyone who has dementia should have the right to know the disease or diseases causing it, and to be diagnosed early enough to get treatments that help with its symptoms. But hundreds of thousands of people are waiting too long for a diagnosis, causing uncertainty, and adding distress to an already challenging situation,” added Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK. “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.”
