Dementia people’s biggest fear in later life

The research commissioned by Alzheimer's Research UK echoes finding by Alzheimer's Society that dementia research receives eight times less funding than cancer research and that dementia is people's biggest fear in later life.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Dementia is the biggest challenge facing the UK and people are right to be worried. It is a devastating condition that robs people of their lives. There is no cure and dementia is the UK's Cinderella story - we are in the bottom third of Europe when it comes to dementia care. Yet with the right treatments and support it is possible to live well with dementia.'

'We must gear up to tackle this challenge by investing in research and support or else face a dementia catastrophe. Alzheimer's Society is committed to doubling our investment in dementia research and we urge the government to make a similar commitment.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years 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 the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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