Is the period between awareness of dementia and diagnosis, or between diagnosis and the start of long-term care, known as the "gap period," shortening?

Key Points

• This research examines the duration of the gap periods between awareness of dementia and diagnosis, and diagnosis and starting long-term care.
• Surveyed families of individuals receiving care for dementia at medical facilities.
• Compared gap periods I (awareness to diagnosis) and II (diagnosis to care) across different time frames.
• Analyzed trends in timing with a focus on the presence or absence of support.
• No significant difference found in gap period I across timeframes.
• Gap period II has significantly shortened over recent years.
• Emphasis on the importance of support from the patient's perspective rather than just the duration of the periods.