14.11.19
Alzheimer’s Research UK says political parties need to ‘face up to the challenge’
One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetimes, unless new treatments and preventions are developed.
With this reality in mind, Alzheimer’s Research UK has called for all political parties to commit just 1% of the annual cost of dementia on research in this upcoming general election.
Government funding for dementia research is significantly less compared to other health areas. Currently the government spends £82.5m a year on dementia research, around 0.3% of the condition’s economic cost.
The call comes on the back of Labour announcing its Rescue Plan for the NHS, which contains a plan to invest £1 billion in public health services, with a focus on prevention. Research has shown that people can make positive lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of dementia, with the best advice being what’s goof for your heart is good for your head.
Alzheimer’s Research UK has stated that this commitment needs to include measures to help the public reduce their dementia risk, and urging that investment in dementia research will make life-changing breakthroughs possible.
Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer's Research UK, said:
“Dementia is crippling our society, our economy and our NHS and it will continue to do so unless we bring about life-changing treatments. That’s why Alzheimer's Research UK is calling on all political parties to face up to the dementia challenge during this general election campaign and commit to making much greater investments in dementia research.
“While prevention is a key part of the picture, more research is still needed to bring about life-changing treatments for those who do develop dementia. We’re urging all parties to commit to spending just 1% of the annual cost of dementia on research – investing £320m a year by 2025. This would bring dementia research investment in line with other serious health conditions and drive us towards the breakthroughs people desperately need and deserve.”