MP joins Alzheimer’s Research UK to support dementia research and mark World Alzheimer’s Month

Representatives of Alzheimer’s Research UK recently met with MPs in parliament to mark World Alzheimer’s Month and highlight the urgent need to secure more funding for dementia research.

Nearly one million people in the UK have dementia, a figure that is expected to rise to two million by 2050. By 2040, it is estimated that dementia will cost the economy £55 billion.

The event was attended by more than 100 MPs from across all parties - including Rochdale MP Sir Tony Lloyd - to help the country’s legislators focus their attention on the devastation caused by dementia in the UK, and the potential for research to overcome it.

The MPs took the opportunity to hear more about the value of research and what it means for their constituents. They were also invited to sign a letter to the Chancellor calling on him to honour the government’s election pledge to double dementia research funding ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review on 27 October.

In their 2019 manifesto, the Conservative party pledged to launch a “Dementia Moonshot” to find a cure for dementia - doubling research funding and speeding up trials for new treatments.

Mr Lloyd said: “Many of us know, or have known, someone affected by dementia, and some 1,087 people are estimated to be living with dementia in Rochdale.

“Not only does it cause harm and heartbreak to families in Rochdale and across the UK, but it places a huge strain on our health and social care system.

“The economic cost to the UK of caring for people with dementia is estimated to grow from £24bn in 2014 to £59bn by 2050.

“The Conservatives made a manifesto pledge to double funding for dementia research, and it’s vital that they fulfil their promise and increase investment in research to help make the progress needed to end the fear, harm and heartbreak caused by dementia.”

Historic global underinvestment means that while dementia research is making progress, it still lags far behind research into other major conditions. The additional investment provided by the Dementia Moonshot, could transform dementia research in the UK and even help to find a life-changing treatment.

David Thomas, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “A big thank you to Tony for taking the time to join us and support dementia research during World Alzheimer’s Month.

“Dementia is one of the biggest global health crises we face. In 2019, the government made a manifesto promise to double funding for dementia research to £160m a year and speed up progress in clinical trials. Now is the time to deliver on this pledge.

“The response to Covid-19 has shown us what science can achieve with increased investment and momentum.

“We’re confident that, with the right support, we can make the life-changing breakthroughs that are so needed for people with dementia.”