Increasing diagnosis rates of dementias : holy grail or poisoned chalice?

The UK government has called for a sharp increase in dementia screening and diagnosis. While this has potential benefits, there are shortfalls in the evidence underpinning early diagnosis; in addition, some primary care practitioners are reluctant to give a diagnosis. Mental health nurses need to support people through the diagnostic process to facilitate enablement. Without substantially improved funding, increasing diagnosis rates may do more harm than good to individuals and their families, because care may be impersonal and inadequately funded.