Int J Geriatr Psychiatry

Time to dementia diagnosis averages 3.5 years, with delays longer in younger patients

August 4, 2025

There is a substantial and persistent delay in the diagnosis of dementia, particularly among younger patients and those with frontotemporal dementia. These delays may hinder timely access to appropriate interventions, care planning, and support services, potentially affecting patient outcomes and caregiver burden.

Study details: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 studies with data on 30,257 individuals, examining the interval from symptom onset (as reported by patients or caregivers) to formal dementia diagnosis. The review synthesized quantitative studies published through December 2024, with risk of bias assessed using a standardized tool.

Results: The pooled mean time to diagnosis (TTD) for all dementia types was 3.5 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7–4.3). For young-onset dementia, the mean TTD was 4.1 years (95% CI, 3.4–4.9). While factors influencing TTD were inconsistent, younger age at onset and frontotemporal dementia were consistently associated with longer diagnostic intervals.

Source:

Kusoro O, et al. (2025, July). Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. Time to Diagnosis in Dementia: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40716451/