Dementia Action Week 2025: Why Diagnosis Matters

May 19, 2025Posted by: Jodie

Did you know 1 in 3 people in the UK living with dementia do not yet have a diagnosis?

Why Early Diagnosis and Carer Support Go Hand in Hand

This low level of diagnosis means thousands of families are navigating the effects of dementia without access to the full support, understanding, or treatments they could be benefiting from. This is why Dementia Action Week (19–25 May 2025) is focused on one clear message: diagnosis matters.

Why this matters to employers, providers and communities

Getting a diagnosis isn’t just about the person with dementia. It also unlocks access to the right support for unpaid carers, many of whom are quietly juggling intense caring responsibilities alongside work, family life, and their own health.

• There are 700,000 unpaid carers supporting people with dementia across the UK - many of them are under 65 and in work.

• Nearly two-thirds report feeling “constantly exhausted.”

• Most haven’t had a break in over a year.

Supporting carers isn’t just the right thing to do - it makes economic and social sense. Carer-friendly workplaces retain talent, reduce stress-related absence, and build cultures that people trust.

PeoplePlus and Gloucestershire Carers Hub: On the Ground This Week

Through the Gloucestershire Carers Hub, funded by Gloucestershire County Council and delivered by PeoplePlus, we’ve seen first-hand the value of coordinated, accessible support. This year, our teams are out in communities across the county for Dementia Action Week - from attending local events to joining the NHS Bus Tour to meet carers where they are.

The success of the Hub – recently extended beyond its initial contract – shows the impact of proactive support models:

• In just one year, the service supported over 9,000 carers.

• 100% of surveyed carers said they would recommend the service to others.

What can you do?

• Learn the signs of dementia and share the importance of diagnosis in your networks.

• Check in with colleagues or friends who may be unpaid carers – they often don’t identify with the term.

• Signpost to local carer support – services like Gloucestershire Carers Hub can be life-changing.

This week is another reminder: if we want inclusive, resilient, people-centred communities and workplaces, unpaid carers need recognition and support that makes a tangible difference. 

To learn more, visit Dementia Action Week | Alzheimer's Society

May 19, 2025Posted by: Jodie