Route Map gives new priority to dementia research
Published 28 June 2011
Up to £20 million will be spent on four National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Units over the next five years, Paul Burstow, Care Services Minister announced today.
The commitment forms part of a Route Map for Dementia Research based on evidence collected by the Ministerial Advisory Group on Dementia Research (MAGDR). Other commitments include a 10 per cent increase in Medical Research Council funding for neurodegenerative research to £150million over the next four years and boosts in the number of experts in the dementia field through new Academic Clinical Fellowships.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'Today's Route Map provides the opportunity of a generation to not only transform the face of dementia research but also to transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with dementia. Without research we cannot improve care, develop treatments or move closer to a cure so it is great to see action being taken to put dementia on the right path.'
Professor Clive Ballard'There are 750,000 people with dementia and this number is expected to hit a million within 10 years. Alzheimer's Society will do everything it can to support today's calls using its own research programme and by working in partnership with the NIHR and others.'
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society
- Ends -
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 ten 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
