Families Face Delays for Dementia Diagnoses

Why it matters locally: Access to timely dementia diagnoses can be a significant concern for families in Hawaii, particularly given the state's aging population and the potential for specialized medical services to be concentrated on certain islands.

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Hundreds of families have encountered delays of several months to multiple years in obtaining a dementia diagnosis for a loved one. These families reported the extended wait times as they sought official medical assessments for individuals exhibiting symptoms consistent with dementia.