More Britons are being diagnosed with dementia than ever before, new figures show.

A record 523,081 people in England have been told they have the deadly disease by doctors, compared to 512,466 at the end of last year – a rise of 10,615 patients.

This is the first time in six years that the NHS has met its target to ensure two-thirds of over-65-year-olds suffering symptoms have a formal diagnosis.

The last time the health service hit the goal, in March 2020, the number of diagnoses was 470,292 - 11 per cent lower than the most recent figure.

It's estimated that over a million people are living with dementia in the UK, but many are suffering without the oversight of medics.

Experts say that receiving an early diagnosis is key to accessing vital care and treatment that could slow the progression of symptoms. 

The rise in diagnoses is thought to be due to better detection of warning signs as well as a genuine increase in prevalence.

The ageing population, increase in obesity and lack of exercise among Britons are all thought to be fuelling dementia cases.

The latest data comes amid the Daily Mail and Alzheimer's Society's partnership in a drive to defeat dementia, which claims 76,000 lives a year as Britain’s biggest killer.

The Defeating Dementia campaign aims to raise awareness of the disease, in an effort to increase early diagnosis, boost research and improve care.

Dr Jeremy Isaacs, national clinical director for dementia, NHS England, said it is 'fantastic' that the NHS has met its target. 

'Getting a dementia diagnosis is the first step in ensuring the NHS can offer help whether it be a care plan or medication review,' he said.

'There are lots of reasons why people might appear forgetful or absent-minded, but it could be a sign that something is wrong.'

Survey data collected by the Alzheimer's Society shows striking public support for government policies on dementia care. 

More than half of Britons (56 per cent) rate dementia among the top three health conditions government should prioritise over the next five years, while almost three quarters (72 per cent) support an 18-week national maximum waiting time for a dementia diagnosis.

Meanwhile, more than four in ten (44 per cent) said more dementia funding would make them more likely to vote for a political party.

Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: 'A target of two thirds is too modest, and we must demand better for dementia.

'Too many people spend months on end waiting for answers, unable to access the support, advice and care that a diagnosis can unlock. 

'With new treatments emerging that are most effective in the early stages of disease, the consequences of delayed diagnosis are becoming even more significant.

'We need a more ambitious goal. The UK Government must introduce a maximum 18-week wait for a dementia diagnosis, including starting a care plan and treatment, and invest in the people and services needed to deliver on this goal.'

Minister of State for Mental Health and Social Care Alison McGovern agreed that 'there is still a lot more to do'.

 'As we diagnose more people with dementia, we need better treatments and social care so they can live well for longer.'