Alzheimer’s Research UK has accused the government of leaving
behind the nearly 1 million people with dementia after missing
the opportunity to deliver on their pledge to double funding for
dementia research.
In the Spending Review, the Chancellor announced plans to provide
£95 million for the Office for Life Sciences for delivery of the
government’s Life Sciences Vision but made no mention of their
2019 manifesto promise to double dementia research funding. The
UK’s leading dementia research charity are now calling for part
of the Life Sciences Vision funding to address dementia
research.
The autumn Spending Review, which sets out government spending
for the next three years, was a prime opportunity to deliver on
their promise to increase dementia research to £160 million a
year.
Hilary Evans, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK,
said:
"The Chancellor today missed an opportunity to deliver on its
2019 manifesto promise to double dementia research funding. As
the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we feel this lets
down the nearly one million people in the UK affected by this
devastating condition. More than 50,000 of our campaigners have
been loud and clear with the government about how much this
increased funding matters to people with dementia.
“Dementia is the only major condition where there are no
treatments to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Each
year that passes without sustained, increased funding in dementia
research means that more and more families will have to deal with
the devastating consequences of the condition. This means more
memories lost, more heartache as dementia places a huge burden on
our country, on our health and our economy.
“Our researchers have made huge progress over the last few years,
but we need to go further. COVID-19 has shown the role government
can play in harnessing the power of research to tackle a major
health challenge. We need to see that approach replicated in
dementia.
“We are grateful to all our campaigners who wrote to their MPs,
signed our petition and did countless other acts to put pressure
on the government. We are inspired by their tireless commitment
to dementia research, and we will use that strength to continue
pushing for action for people with dementia. With our incredible
supporters by our side, we will never stop working towards
breakthroughs."
Mariel Kirton’s Dad Ray was diagnosed with early-onset
Alzheimer’s at just 52. Ever since then she has strived to raise
awareness and funds to improve understanding and support dementia
research. Mariel currently lives with her parents in Rugby.
She said: “We have been fortunate that Dad continued to be the
happy and loving person he has always been for a number of years
following his diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2010.
However, as his condition has progressed, his mood has changed
and he needs a lot of support to do everyday things, cared for by
my mum and carers who come to their home. It is hard to see the
changes in Dad, especially as he is only 63, and has been living
with Alzheimer’s for so long now.
“That is why I support Alzheimer’s Research UK because I believe
medical research can make a difference in the future, both in
finding ways to diagnose people sooner and to find treatments to
improve people’s quality of life but research needs funding. So
today’s announcement is incredibly disappointing. Scientists are
so close to making breakthroughs that could stop other families
going through the heartbreak we have gone through but we need the
government to support them in this groundbreaking work.”
