AbstractBackground: ALCOVE 2013 advocated timely diagnosis, with emphasis on early diagnosis and intervention. Israel’s National Dementia Program (2013) committed to “improving diagnosis by increasing access to early diagnostic services”. The objective of this study was to evaluate patients’ and families’ perceptions of the barriers to timely diagnosis, the triggers leading to and perceived benefit of evaluation and diagnosis. Methods: Patients and accompanying family members who underwent an evaluation in one of four cognitive diagnostic centers and who gave informed consent were interviewed, using an open-ended questionnaire. Questions explored demographics, symptoms that led to the evaluation, barriers, and the perceived benefit from the diagnostic process and outcome. Results: 26 patients and 27 family members were interviewed. Of the patients, mean Mini Mental Status Exam score was 24 (SD 4.3). Seventy four percent of patients presented for diagnosis more than 6 months after the onset of cognitive symptoms, and 41% of them after more than 2 years. The main barriers reported were the belief that cognitive loss is a natural part of aging; that diagnosis is futile as there is no cure; that diagnosis will harm the patient emotionally; fear of stigma; and lack of awareness. Some healthcare professionals delayed diagnosis, by not noticing the symptoms or attributing them to “old age”. Benefits perceived from diagnosis were starting medication; reducing anxiety; confirmation of suspicion; and increased awareness of possible treatment options. Planning for the future was not cited as a benefit. Some did not find any benefit in the diagnosis at all.