Labour MPs show support for more investment into dementia research

Eighty percent of Labour MPs believe the government should be spending more on dementia research, according to a new poll released today. The results of the ComRes survey are revealed ahead of a dementia research fringe event being hosted by Alzheimer's Society, the Alzheimer's Research Trust and Age Concern and Help the Aged at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton today (Monday 28th September).

In a survey of parliamentarians, Labour MPs were found to be more in favour of an increase in investment than either the Liberal Democrats or the Conservatives although all parties showed more than 70 per cent support. The government currently spends £32.4million on dementia research compared to £248.5million on cancer research.

Results from an Alzheimer's Research Trust and Alzheimer's Society commissioned YouGov poll also revealed today that 59% of Labour voters believe the government should be putting more money into dementia research. The charities will make this call for an increase in funding and for a coordinated approach at the fringe event, Dementia Decade: a cure by 2020?.

Broadcaster, journalist and Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Fiona Phillips backed the charities' call for greater investment and a coordinated plan. She will meet with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and other senior Labour officials at events during the conference.

She said: 'To see the deterioration Alzheimer's caused in first my mum and now my dad has been absolutely heart breaking. It is a cruel disease that robs a person of their dignity and places an incredible strain on the lives of their loved ones.

'We must do everything we can to find a cure. The only way to do this is through research and the only way research can be carried out is if the government provides the necessary investment.'

Professor Simon Lovestone from Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: 'Over the next decade we have a good chance of developing new treatments that slow down the rate of progression of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. If we fail to develop new treatments, we are in deep trouble because of the rising costs of caring for dementia in an ageing population. The government needs to increase its support for dementia research and take full advantage of the UK's world-class scientists in the race for a cure.'

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 healthy of a happy retirement. Around 700,000 people currently live with dementia in the UK with many more friends and family indirectly affected by this heart-breaking disease. 'This is why Age Concern and Help the Aged is a major funder of dementia research, notably funding the Disconnected Mind research project and why we strongly support calls for more funding for this vital work.'

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society who will chair the fringe event, said: 'Even in the current economic climate there is an appreciation from MPs and the public of the necessity to do everything we can to defeat this devastating condition.

'Dementia costs the UK £17billion a year yet the government spend eight times less on dementia research than cancer research. In order to see the same advancements in care and treatment as we have seen for cancer, spending on dementia research needs to be a higher priority.
'With the right investment and planning dementia can be defeated.'

Last week leading author Terry Pratchett spoke of his experience with a rare form of Alzheimer's disease and warned of the dangers of a 'worldwide tsunami of Alzheimer's and other dementia diseases' unless changes are made.

The Dementia Decade fringe event takes place at 12.45pm today (Monday) in the Sandringham Room of Brighton's Hilton Metropole.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

 

    The MP survey involved 150 MPs on the ComRes MP Panel who were interviewed between 26th May - 29th June 2009 using online and self-completion postal questionnaires. Data is weighted to reflect the exact composition of the House of Commons in terms of party representation and regional distribution.
-    Respondents were asked
How strongly do you agree with the statement 'the government should increase investment into dementia research'?
-    Of the 82 Labour MPs surveyed, 24% agreed strongly, 56% agreed, 10% neither agreed nor disagreed and 1% disagreed. 9% did not state.
-    71% of the 45 Conservative MPs surveyed were in favor of an increase investment in dementia research as were 73% of the Liberal Democrat MPs surveyed.  
    The Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer's Research Trust commissioned poll surveyed 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.
    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.
    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 www.alzheimers.org.uk

For further information or interviews:  
Alzheimer's Society Press Officer Lynsey Roberts on 0207 423 3595 or email lynsey.roberts@alzheimers.org.uk .
Alternatively call the Alzheimer's Research Trust's Press Office on 01223 843304 or Age Concern & Help the Aged on 020 8765 7511.