Charity condemns government's 'double blow' for people with dementia
Published 19 December 2008
The government has admitted that current investment in dementia research is eight times less that cancer research.
This follows an announcement that publication of the first ever National Dementia Strategy for England has been delayed.
Health Minister Dawn Primarolo revealed that in 2007-08 cancer research received £248.2 million from the Department of Health and Medical Research Council, while dementia research received £32.43 million.
The government has also confirmed that the publication of the National Dementia Strategy for England, originally scheduled for October 2008, has also been delayed until the New Year.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,
The table below shows the level of research funding:
2007-08 Expenditure
£ million
Department Medical Research Council
Cancer research 158.7 89.5
Dementia research 22.21 10.22
Table notes
1. National health service support for degenerative neurological disorder research and comparable expenditure from National Institute for Health Research funding streams (including the cost of the dementias and neurodegenerative diseases research network).
2. Includes spend on some projects not previously included in annual totals.
Health Minister Dawn Primarolo revealed that in 2007-08 cancer research received £248.2 million from the Department of Health and Medical Research Council, while dementia research received £32.43 million.
The government has also confirmed that the publication of the National Dementia Strategy for England, originally scheduled for October 2008, has also been delayed until the New Year.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, says,
Half a million people with dementia living in England are waiting anxiously for a strategy that promises huge change. The news of a delay in publishing the strategy and the woefully inadequate amount spent on dementia research this year is a double blow.Notes to editors
Dementia costs the UK more than heart disease, stroke and cancer combined yet we currently invest a pitiful amount in research to tackle it. If we want to see the same advances that we have seen in cancer treatment and care, we must invest more in dementia research and services. With the right investment, dementia can be defeated.
Actions speak louder than words. The Government must deliver on its promise to make dementia a national priority by publishing the strategy and committing more to dementia research.
The table below shows the level of research funding:
2007-08 Expenditure
£ million
Department Medical Research Council
Cancer research 158.7 89.5
Dementia research 22.21 10.22
Table notes
1. National health service support for degenerative neurological disorder research and comparable expenditure from National Institute for Health Research funding streams (including the cost of the dementias and neurodegenerative diseases research network).
2. Includes spend on some projects not previously included in annual totals.
- Parliamentary Question on Dementia Strategy tabled by John Battle: HC Deb 18 December 2008 c1091W
- Alzheimer's Society funds ground breaking research to influence practice and transform lives and it has just announced eight new research projects pushing the charity current investment in research to over £6 million.
- 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
