Dementia charities unite to raise funding issues

Healthcare News
01/07/2009
The Alzheimer's Research Trust has joined forces with the Alzheimer's Society to improve the understanding of how much funding dementia needs.

The Alzheimer's Research Trust and Alzheimer's Society have joined forces to highlight how dementia care in the UK lags far behind that of France, Germany and the US.

In a joint statement, the charities stated that the UK is a melting pot for "huge scientific talent" and this should be invested in, for the good of sufferers and the economy as a whole.

The pair highlighted the need for diagnosis improvements alongside care advancements, genetic research expansion and clinical trial enhancement through the NHS.

Rebecca Wood, the chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, explained that given the 700,000 people in the UK with dementia now costing the economy around £17 billion a year, the government "cannot afford" to get its policies wrong.

She continued: "Spending £96 million per year would put the UK proportionately on a par with other world leaders like the United States and bring funding per person with dementia up to a similar level to government investment in cancer research."

Both charities provide the facility for companies to apply for research grants, with fellowships and studentships also available to those willing to help fight the neurodegenerative disease.

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