Plans to tackle dementia before the next UK general election have been released by the UK government. The plans aim to increase dementia diagnosis rates, encourage research and make the UK more dementia-friendly.
The plan outlines a series of commitments including:
- An aim for 10% of people with a dementia diagnosis to take part in research. Join Dementia Research—a scheme that matches people to suitable studies, run by the National Institute for Health Research in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, Alzheimer’s Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society—will play a crucial role in helping to meet this target, according to a press release.
- A pilot scheme to extend discussions of dementia risk reduction to the NHS Health Check for people over 40. Alzheimer’s Research UK, together with other organisations, will help to develop this pilot.
- Moves to improve the quality of care for people with dementia.
Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, says, “Since the first Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge was launched we’ve seen real progress in the fight against this devastating condition, and the beginnings of a social movement to rally people behind that fight. There is still much work to do, and Alzheimer’s Research UK welcomes this plan which signals a strong commitment to build on the achievements of recent years. We look forward to working with the Government to deliver action on research and help accelerate the development of much-needed new treatments, preventions and improvements in diagnosis.”
David Mayhew, chairman of Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Prime Minister’s dementia envoy, says, “This plan lays out a clear direction for driving forward improved care, new treatments and greater awareness, and it will be important to link this strategy to international efforts if we are to have the greatest impact.”
