Pratchett addresses Lib Dem conference as voters back dementia research campaign

Sir Terry's campaign has the backing of leading charities the Alzheimer's Research Trust, Alzheimer's Society and Age Concern & Help the Aged, while a Liberal Democrat MP has described the government's record on dementia research as "shameful".

The UK's best-selling adult author will meet Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg before joining Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Greg Mulholland MP, the Alzheimer's Research Trust's Chief Scientific Adviser Prof Julie Williams, and Age Concern & Help the Aged's Special Adviser Mervyn Kohler at a conference fringe event coordinated by the Alzheimer's Research Trust, Alzheimer's Society and Age Concern & Help the Aged charities.

The event 'Dementia Decade: a cure by 2020?' is being held at 18.15 on Tuesday 22nd September in the Bayview Suite of the Bournemouth International Centre.

The debate takes place as an Alzheimer's Research Trust and Alzheimer's Society commissioned YouGov poll reveals that 71% of Liberal Democrat voters believe that the government should increase dementia research funding despite the current economic climate.

Sir Terry Pratchett, Patron of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said,

'We are facing, to use the term said to me by one of the leading US researchers, a  worldwide tsunami of Alzheimer's and other dementia diseases. I am just a little ahead of the wind, you see. Technically I am early onset, but growing older behind me are the Baby Boomers, made strong and fit as the first generation to grow up in the beneficent arms of the National Health Service.

'Is there going to be a government of any stripe in England willing to put its money where its mouth is and fund changes?  Or will dementia remain the most feared disease of the over 55s?

'Awareness slips if someone doesn't lift it and I want this disease to be dragged into the light  and stay there, seen for what it is, a random disease and no cause for shame . To kill the demon you must say its name. The second step is an efficient sword; the disease has a physical cause; it must fall to a physical solution.

'There's only two ways it can go; researchers, with as much help you can give them, may come up with something that reduces the effects of this dreadful, inhuman disease, or we will have to face the consequences of our failure to prevent the final years of many of us being a long bad dream.  The strain on carers and their support is bad enough now; before very long the effects on the health service and society itself, will be unbearable. What is unthinkable is to do nothing at all.'

Greg Mulholland MP, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, who arranged a meeting between Sir Terry and the Prime Minister last November to discuss dementia research funding, said,

'Dementia research should be at the forefront of the UK's long-term health strategy. It is staggering that a condition which costs the economy £17bn a year has the same amount spent on research as it costs to build a mile of motorway.

'Dementia costs the UK economy more than heart disease, cancer and stokes combined, yet less than 3% of the government's research budget is spent on research. This is shameful. More must be done. If we don't increase research funding then we'll be no closer to understanding dementia or addressing the devastating impact that it has on thousands of people.

'In 2008 I tabled a parliamentary motion to increase funding and promote further research into the diagnosis, treatment and a possible cure for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. I am proud to share a platform with Sir Terry Pratchett and Professor Julie Williams to promote this cause further. Pressure is mounting on the government to take action on research. If we do not have an increase in funding, the cost of dementia to the economy will increase to £50 billion in 30 years.'

Andrew Harrop, Head of Public Policy at Age Concern and Help the Aged, said,

'Dementia is a cruel disease that robs people who are often otherwise fit and health of a happy retirement.  Friends and family often experience the progress of the disease as a heart-breaking, slow-motion bereavement.

"This is why Age Concern and Help the Aged are a major funder of dementia research and we strongly support calls for more funding for this vital work.'

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said,

'It is essential politicians lead the way in devising a coordinated plan and commit to more investment into dementia research if we are to stand any chance of defeating this devastating disease.

'Dementia has a huge impact on the lives of millions of people in the UK and costs £17billion a year. A million more people will develop dementia in the next 10 years. Terry's views are supported by the public. It is clear we must act now.'

Prof Julie Williams, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said,

'Week after week British dementia scientists come a step closer to understanding what causes dementia, and how this might be translated into new treatments.

'Despite the current squeeze in public finances, upping our investment in dementia research would be prudent. If we can work out how to delay the onset of dementia by five years, we could halve the number of people who die with the condition.'

ENDS

Notes to editors

• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2022 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 21st - 24th August 2009.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
• Respondents were asked:
  Dementia costs the UK £17billion per year, more than strokes and cancer combined; it has been reported that, without progress in research, the number of people living with the condition is expected to double, and costs will triple within a generation. However the Government invests eight times less in dementia research than cancer research.                                                                                                          Thinking about this, and in view of the current economic climate...
  Should the Government...?                                                                      a)increase the level of funding in dementia research;
  b) maintain current spending levels in dementia research;
  c) reduce funding in dementia research;
  d) don't know.
• Age Concern England and Help the Aged have joined together to form a single charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.
• Alzheimer's Society provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia. Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website alzheimers.org.uk
• The Alzheimer's Research Trust funds medical research to find ways to cure, prevent or treat dementia and provides free information on dementia: phone 01223 843899 or visit www.alzheimers-research.org.uk. The charity relies solely on public donations to fund its research.