Families Face Delays for Dementia Diagnoses

Why it matters locally: Oklahomans, like families nationwide, are likely experiencing similar delays in obtaining dementia diagnoses, which can impact access to early interventions and support services available through agencies like the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

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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.