Alzheimer's Society responds to news government spending on dementia research has decreased

MP Chi Onwurah questioned the government today on why total research spending on dementia had dropped from £112.9million to £104.7million from 2018/19 to 2019/20 - Alzheimer's Society responds.

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director for Research said: 'Research will beat dementia, but we need more funding to understand what causes dementia, develop effective treatments, improve care and one day find a cure.'

After Covid-19, dementia was the leading cause of death in the UK in 2020 - we owe it to the 900,000 people in the UK currently living with dementia and their families to understand the condition better, so that they can live better. 

'There aren’t any treatments that can stop of slow down the progression of the diseases that cause dementia available in the UK yet, but dementia research – despite chronic underfunding – had been gradually gaining momentum and starting to deliver exciting results.

'Without investment, this could grind to a halt and threaten much-needed new therapies, diagnostic tests and care provision.'

'It’s two years since the Government’s promise to double dementia research funding – yet nothing has happened. Alzheimer’s Society is calling on Government to honour their commitment to double dementia research funding and rescue the hopes of dementia research.'

What research is Alzheimer's Society funding?

We are investing £10 million a year into dementia research projects and initiatives across the UK to help improve care, understand causes and work towards a cure.

Learn more