Alzheimer's Society

Could personalised brain scans help us spot dementia earlier? Brain scans are an important tool for diagnosing dementia. Looking for changes in the brain can help us assess whether someone may have a disease that causes dementia. But today, many brain scans are compared against a single 'average' brain, instead of taking into account the natural differences in size and shape that we all have. A team of researchers led by Prof James Cole at UCL, and funded by Alzheimer’s Society, are working to change that. Using brain scans from almost 60,000 people, the team is building a more personalised way to assess changes that might be associated with dementia. By comparing someone’s scan with people of a similar age, sex and background, they hope to identify brain changes linked to dementia more accurately. These personalised brain maps could potentially detect subtle brain changes before symptoms appear, improve diagnosis for people from underrepresented groups, and help researchers better measure whether potential new treatments are working. While the work is still ongoing, this research could help move dementia diagnosis away from a one-size-fits-all approach and towards more personalised care in the future. One in three people living with dementia don’t even have a diagnosis. And for those that do, on average, people live with symptoms for three and a half years before receiving it. That's three and a half years of worry and uncertainty, all without the support, treatment or guidance that could help. That’s why we’re funding research like this to find better ways to diagnose dementia. And it’s why we’re demanding that after being referred by their GP, everyone with dementia receives a diagnosis, a care plan, and, where appropriate, begins treatment - all within 18 weeks. Sign the petition and demand better for everyone affected by dementia - link in comments ⬇️

How do we make sure people can get a timely dementia diagnosis and access the support they need afterwards? That’s the next question you asked Baroness Louise Casey, Chair of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care. Baroness Casey argues that if we want faster diagnoses, better support and a more joined-up approach to care, dementia and Alzheimer's must be placed firmly on the nation's agenda. Because until dementia is taken seriously as one of the biggest challenges facing our society, the change people need simply won't happen.

'We have never been more excited than we are right now about the progress we’re making.’ During #WorldAlzheimersMonth, we held our annual conference, focusing this year on ‘thinking differently about dementia'. We're so grateful to the hundreds of people who came together to discuss how we can tackle the challenges people affected by dementia are facing – both now and in the future. Our Associate Director of Research and Innovation, Rich Oakley, and our two event hosts, Michaela Williams and Professor Dame Louise Robinson, share some of their reflections on this year’s conference. If you joined us for #ASAC26, we'd love to hear your thoughts - share your own reflections in the comments.

No family should be left waiting for answers. At any time 1 in 3 people with dementia don't have a diagnosis. Every month spent waiting for a dementia diagnosis is another month without understanding, support or access to treatment. Earlier diagnosis means more time to plan, more time to access support, and more time living as well as possible. A diagnosis should be a lifeline, not just a label. It should open the door to personalised support, clear information, access to research and treatment, and a plan for the future. But for too long, people affected by dementia have faced long waits, patchy support and limited access to treatment. We've come to accept a standard of care that would be unacceptable for many other serious health conditions. With research advancing and new treatments emerging, we have an opportunity to change the story. The Government must make timely diagnosis, personalised support and access to treatment the standard, not the exception. [Image description: A photo of a golden autumn landscape green field and distant hills has a partial beige overlay with text that reads: '1 in 3 people with dementia don't have a diagnosis. No family should be left waiting for a dementia diagnosis. Here's why we're demanding faster diagnosis (see caption)’]

‘One of the hardest things has been navigating the support and care system.' This World Alzheimer's Month, we're sharing Dekho, a powerful film created with writer, director and actor Manjinder Virk. Seen through the eyes of a young boy, the film shows how dementia can affect family relationships, caring responsibilities and communication across generations. For families like the one portrayed in this film, a dementia diagnosis should be a lifeline. It can be the first step towards understanding what's happening, accessing support and planning for the future. Yet one in three people living with dementia still don't have a diagnosis. ‘I often think about people going through this alone and wonder how they cope - practically, emotionally and financially.' A dementia diagnosis can bring answers and understanding after months or even years of uncertainty. But diagnosis must be the beginning of support, not the end of the conversation.

We’re proud to be a partner of the Manchester Brain Health Centre, helping to change the game on dementia in the UK. Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK, yet at any time, a third do not have a diagnosis. But recognising the signs of dementia early can make all the difference. An early diagnosis and intervention can help reduce risk, slow the progression, and keep you living better for longer. The Manchester Brain Health Centre is a two-year pilot pioneering a new approach to dementia in the UK, bringing earlier, accurate diagnosis and prevention together under one roof. People who meet the requirements for the MBHC will be identified through existing memory assessment services and referred directly. Those who take part in the pilot in central Manchester will also be given the chance, if they are eligible, to take part in research and clinical trials. If we can identify people early enough, we can significantly improve their brain health and help put the brakes on dementia. Delaying or preventing dementia will help reduce the impact on health and social care systems, support people to live better for longer and ensure fewer people die from dementia. Headline via BBC.

"We've got to do it now and not wait too long for that change." What can dementia care and support learn from the progress we've seen in other serious conditions like cancer? To mark World Alzheimer's Day, Baroness Louise Casey, Chair of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, is answering your questions about the future of dementia care. She reflects on the transformation that's taken place in cancer care since the 1970s and what lessons that could hold for the future of dementia care and support. Change is possible. But as Baroness Casey says, we can't afford to wait too long to make it happen. What question would you ask about the future of dementia care and support? Let us know below, and keep an eye out for Part 2 coming soon. 👇

Together, we’re changing the game on dementia. We’re proud to be a partner of the Manchester Brain Health Centre (MBHC), an innovative pilot pioneering a new approach to dementia in the UK. Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK, yet at any time, a third do not have a diagnosis. But if we can identify people in the earliest stages of memory and thinking difficulties, we can significantly improve their brain health and help put the brakes on dementia, keeping people living better for longer. The MBHC is a two-year pilot spearheaded by Alzheimer’s Society in partnership with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester and supported by NHS Greater Manchester. The clinic is hosted at the NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Manchester at Manchester Royal Infirmary. This unique joined-up, single service brings together psychiatrists, vascular specialists, clinical academics, and a multidisciplinary team to identify and support people at the earliest stages of memory loss, who will be identified through existing memory assessment services and referred directly. Alzheimer’s Society Brain Health Advisers will also work alongside NHS clinicians to offer personalised support, guidance and information to people with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage memory and thinking changes, or dementia, as well as anyone looking to improve their brain health. Those who take part in the pilot in central Manchester will also be given the chance, if they are eligible, to take part in research and clinical trials. Through this expert team the MBHC will bring earlier, accurate diagnosis and prevention under one roof, representing a major step forward in reshaping the UK’s approach to brain health.

💙 Share this post and help end the wait for dementia. It’s #WorldAlzheimersDay. Today, the global dementia community is united in sharing one message – people living with dementia have waited too long for answers. We’re shining a spotlight on the timely and important issue of early diagnosis under the theme: The earlier you know, the more you can do: A dementia diagnosis matters. That’s why we’re calling for a new ‘national standard’ for dementia diagnosis. Meaning that after being referred by their GP, everyone with dementia receives a diagnosis, a care plan, and, where appropriate, begins treatment - all within 18 weeks. Tap the link to join us and demand better: https://lnkd.in/dbcuEF_j #WAD #WAD2026

'We were told, “It's not dementia - she's too young. I don't know why you're here.”’ Tony's wife Jackie was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2023, at just 54. ‘Jackie used to do my estimates for work on the computer, but I started to notice her struggling with the keyboard. ‘She couldn't follow the time anymore and she didn't know the different coins and banknotes and what they meant. She was getting lost driving in places she knew like the back of her hand. ‘I was getting really worried. ‘It took over four years to get the diagnosis for dementia. We were backwards and forwards with the doctors. ‘Jackie was misdiagnosed with depression, menopause, PTSD, but never once was dementia brought up. We had been reading up on it, so we kept asking. ‘She kept saying, “I’ve got dementia, I know I’ve got it.” ‘But we were told, “It's not dementia - she's too young. I don't know why you're here.” ‘We were getting passed from pillar to post. She had two brain scans and a memory test. ‘When we finally got the results, it was young onset Alzheimer’s. She was only 54 when she was diagnosed. ‘Although it was a shock, it was a relief to know what we’re dealing with now. 'We’re trying to keep active for as long as we can. Jackie still has her independence. She has always loved shopping, so now I write a note and she shows it to staff in the shops, if she needs any help. ‘We take the dogs to Blackpool beach all the time and get exercise every day. Sadly, Jackie and Tony’s experience isn’t unique, which is why we’re demanding better for everyone affected by dementia. Sign the petition to demand that after being referred by their GP everyone with dementia receives a diagnosis, a care plan, and, where appropriate, begins treatment - all within 18 weeks. Link in comments ⬇️