Dementia diagnosis in Denmark takes average of 174 days, far exceeding 30-day rule

The wait for a dementia diagnosis in Denmark has become unacceptably long, with patients averaging 174 days – nearly six months – to receive an assessment. This duration dramatically exceeds the legal requirement, which stipulates that diagnoses must be completed within 30 days of a patient receiving a referral from their doctor.

Mads Duedahl, chairman of Danske Regioner (Danish Regions), expressed strong disapproval of the situation, stating, "We must acknowledge that it is simply too bad. Patients with dementia wait far too long, while the disease worsens." He characterized the lengthy delays as "completely unacceptable," highlighting the significant burden these conditions place on both patients and their relatives.

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We must acknowledge that it is simply too bad. Patients with dementia wait far too long, while the disease worsens.

While the regions have increased the number of dementia assessments in recent years, with 11,790 citizens assessed last year compared to 7,938 in 2016, the demand continues to rise. This increase is driven by Denmark's aging population, with projections estimating around 146,000 individuals will have a dementia diagnosis by 2040, up from the current 42,665.

Danske Regioner attributes the slow pace of diagnoses primarily to a shortage of specialist neurologists and neuropsychologists. Duedahl stressed the need to rethink care pathways to ensure timely assessments and mentioned that regions are exploring options for primary care physicians to handle more of the diagnostic process. A large meeting involving healthcare professionals and stakeholders is planned for late August to find solutions.

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completely unacceptable