Dementia Research

The needs of people with dementia must move to the top of the agenda. That starts with research, because ultimately our goal must be to prevent, treat and ultimately cure this heart-breaking condition.

September was World Alzheimer’s Month and campaigners urged the new Prime Minister to keep her Government’s commitment to double research funding into dementia by 2024; alongside the commitment to establish a dementia medicines taskforce - modelled on the UK Vaccine Taskforce - to boost the clinical trial process.

Dementia is one of the cruellest diseases, forcing families to live in permanent insecurity. As we live longer, we should be backing Britain’s world-leading scientists to confront the conditions which increasingly blight our society. I am pleased that the Opposition has committed to not only protect but enhance the UK science base and achieve 3% of GDP spent on science and research across the economy.

Ministers must also transform dementia diagnosis and care. For too long, social care has lacked the priority and funding it deserves. A decade of cuts to local government has resulted in £8 billion being lost from adult social care budgets. As a result, too many people have been left to cope without the support they need and many families are paying 100% of care costs.

I support a long-term plan that will put social care on an equal footing with the NHS and empower care users by expanding the options between care at home and residential care. The views of people who need care, including those affected by dementia, should drive change throughout the system to ensure they get that support when and where they need it. We must also support care workers by setting out a new deal to transform pay, training and working conditions.