New polling for
Alzheimer's Society ahead of today's Autumn budget has
revealed strong public support for greater UK Government action on
dementia, including increased investment in diagnosis, research,
treatment and care.
The findings show that nearly eight in ten people (79%) support
increased government investment in dementia, while 76% believe it
should receive funding on a similar footing to major conditions
such as cancer.
More than seven in ten (72%) back the charity's call for a
national maximum wait of 18 weeks for a dementia diagnosis, and
over half (56%) rank dementia among the top three health
conditions the government should prioritise over the next five
years.
Meanwhile, 44% said they would be more likely to vote for a party
that committed additional funding to dementia.
The poll also found:
- 42% place an early and accurate dementia diagnosis within 18
weeks among their top three priorities for government action on
dementia, making it the public's number one dementia priority.
The polling comes just weeks after the Prime Minister of the UK
announced that dementia research would become a national
priority, alongside a new national taskforce to accelerate
progress. Alzheimer's Society welcomed the commitment as a
significant step forward, but says people affected by dementia
also need action to improve diagnosis, treatment, care and
support now, as well as investment in the research that could
transform lives in the future.
Michelle Dyson CB, Alzheimer's Society's CEO,
said: "Dementia is the UK's biggest killer, affecting
almost one million people, yet it has been overlooked and
underfunded for far too long.
"These findings show the public understands both the scale of the
challenge and the need for action. People want to see faster
diagnosis, better support and continued progress towards new
treatments that can offer hope.
"A dementia diagnosis can be lifechanging, giving people answers,
access to support and plan for the future. But too many people
are still waiting too long for answers and facing a postcode
lottery in the care and support available afterwards.
The message from the public is clear: dementia must be a
priority. Now the UK Government must match that public ambition
with action, investing in the diagnosis, treatment and support
that people living with dementia need today, while driving
forward the research that could transform lives tomorrow.
Paul Kemp, from Kent, whose wife Sandra lives with
Alzheimer's disease, said: "We knew something wasn't
right long before Sandra was diagnosed, but it took more than two
years to get answers. During that time, her symptoms got worse
and we were left feeling lost and unsure where to turn.
"Dementia has changed every part of our lives. Sandra had to give
up work, and I eventually left my job to care for her full-time.
Alongside the emotional impact, we've faced financial worries,
struggled to access support and often felt like we were fighting
the system on our own.
"Getting a diagnosis sooner and making sure families can access
the right support afterwards would make a huge difference. No one
should be left waiting for answers or battling for help when
they're already dealing with the reality of dementia."
Join Alzheimer's Society in demanding that everyone referred by
their GP gets a dementia diagnosis, a care plan and, where
appropriate, treatment within 18 weeks. Find out more at
alzheimers.org.uk/campaign
