ABSTRACT
In chapter 1 the events that may lead up to a diagnosis of dementia are discussed. This phase in the dementia journey is called pre-diagnosis. The research evidence relating to the pre-diagnosis period is summarised and related to the difficulties that a person living with dementia may experience before they receive a diagnosis, and the concerns of family members are discussed. This chapter demonstrates that the journey of dementia begins before a formal diagnosis is given and that this can be a traumatic time for all concerned.
