Alzheimer’s Society responds to Labour’s pledge to double dementia research funding

Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing, Alzheimer’s Society said:
 
'We are delighted to see the Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care make dementia care and research so central to his keynote speech at today’s Labour conference.

Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge facing the world today and the leading cause of death in the UK, yet for every £1 spent on cancer research, just 31p is spent on dementia.

'Coupled with this, the majority of people with dementia are left to rely on a disjointed and unloved social care system. 
 
'Following the Government’s earlier commitment in their general election manifesto to double dementia research funding, it’s fantastic that we now have cross-party support for this and so look forward to seeing it delivered promptly.

'Movement on social care funding plans also looks promising, but it must be coupled with a long-term plan to drive up the quality of care.

'We need an accessible, high-quality social care system we can all be proud of, providing the 850,000 people in the UK with dementia with the support they deserve.'