'Spend more on dementia research to avert crisis'

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Updated:

Britain is heading for an 'unmitigated disaster' unless the Government trebles its spending on dementia research, medical charities warn today.

They predict that more than a million in the UK will have dementia and Alzheimer's disease within the next decade.

But despite the looming crisis, the Government invests a pitiful amount researching cures and treatments, the charities say. 

A nurse with an elderly lady at home

Care: Britain is heading for an 'unmitigated disaster' unless spending on dementia research trebles (posed by models)

Only 2 per cent of its medical research budget is spent on dementia, compared with a third on cancer.

Professor Julie Williams of the Alzheimer's Research Trust said: 'We estimate that by 2026 the dementia crunch will cost £27billion per year for treatment and care.

'Most of us will be affected. For many it will mean not passing a nest egg on to your children.

'Lots of people will be obliged to use their savings to pay for their own care or that of family members.

'Our message is that we need to invest in research and invest now.

'Spending must rise from £32million to £96million a year in the next five years. Not doing so will be an unmitigated disaster for the next generation.'

Health minister Phil Hope said the Government had made 'significant' investment in research for dementia.

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