Wife of dementia patient says she was offered only 'a wad of leaflets' after diagnosis

Moira Owens says she was left "dumbfounded" after her husband, Idwal Owens, was diagnosed with vascular dementia six years ago and the clinical response amounted to "a wad of leaflets" and little practical support.

The case, recounted to BBC Wales, mirrors findings from the Alzheimer's Society that about one in five of nearly 3,500 people surveyed across Wales, England and Northern Ireland said they received no support after a dementia diagnosis. The charity also reported that only 29% of respondents said care related to dementia was easy to access and that two in five people with dementia felt ashamed or that the condition was stigmatised.

"The consultant just said, 'oh yes, your husband's got vascular dementia,' and I really wasn't ready for that," Moira Owens said. She said doctors told her there was nothing they could give her husband and, when she asked what she should do, she was handed leaflets. "So they gave me a wad of leaflets, and then goodbye, shook hands and went out through the door. Well, I was dumbfounded actually," she added.

Gemma Roberts of the Alzheimer's Society said the survey results show many people are being "let down by the system." She urged ministers to bring forward a new dementia action plan for Wales after the previous plan expired three years ago, arguing that new evidence and research point to practical steps that could materially improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers.

The charity's research captured the experiences of both people with dementia and their carers, highlighting gaps in post-diagnostic support and access to services. In response to the findings, the Alzheimer's Society called for investment focused on helping people to live well at home for longer, including improved community services, better information and clearer referral pathways after diagnosis.

A new blood test for Alzheimer's disease was announced this week, a development researchers said could transform diagnosis. However, some experts cautioned that a focus on future cures must not come at the expense of immediate support for people currently living with dementia.

Dr. Gary Christopher of Swansea University said the emphasis of funding on prospective treatments and long-term prevention could leave those already affected without the services they need now. "A lot of the money is about future cases of dementia, but we need to help people now, because it's fundamentally important to help people live well and live independently as much as possible with the condition," he said.

The Welsh government said it was committed to developing a new dementia action plan and will consult at the end of the year, drawing on the experience of people living with dementia and their families. "Dementia is a significant health and social care issue which impacts not only those living with dementia, but their families, friends and carers," a government spokesperson said.

Idwal Owens's diagnosis came six years ago. His wife's account underscores the broader concerns raised by the Alzheimer's Society about inconsistent access to post-diagnostic services, the stigma many feel, and the patchwork of support that can follow a diagnosis. The charity said its evidence should inform policy and service development to ensure that diagnosis is followed by meaningful, practical support.

The story of the Owenses will be featured in more depth on Politics Wales on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer, where broadcasters said they will explore the personal and systemic issues surrounding dementia care in Wales.

Campaigners are urging that the forthcoming Welsh consultation be used to set clear timelines and funding commitments for services such as post-diagnostic counselling, care navigation, and community-based support, to ensure that the growing number of people living with dementia and their carers receive timely and tangible help.