Scientists in the
field of dementia research will get more help to access funding
thanks to a new ministerial group, which will drive forward
research into the causes, cure and care of dementia, Care Services
Minister Phil Hope announced today.
The new group, chaired by Phil Hope, will also focus on
increasing the volume, quality and impact of dementia research.
It follows the Government’s Dementia Research Summit in July at
which leading experts identified priority areas for dementia
research. The priority areas, which ranged from basic biomedical
science, to practical steps that could boost dementia research,
will provide a basis for the group.
They include:
· ensuring better use of existing funding opportunities;
·
increasing public support for dementia research;
· giving
people with dementia better access to clinical trials;
·
ensuring research translates to better treatment and care;
and
· strengthen collaborative work, especially with the
commercial sector.
Care Services Minister Phil Hope said:
“A cure for cancer is traditionally seen as the Holy Grail of
medical science. But in an ageing world where more and more of us
will succumb to dementia, we need to view a cure for dementia in a
similar light.
“Dementia is one of the most important issues we face as the
population ages – it has been in the shadows for too long.
“This year we launched the first National Dementia Strategy and I
want to build on that foundation. We invested £32 million in
dementia research last year, but much more must be done to make
the most of existing opportunities. Research is the key to
developing new treatments, transforming care and ultimately
finding a cure for this devastating condition. This new
ministerial group will help drive change forward.”
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive Alzheimer’s Society
said:
“This is a significant development in the fight against dementia.
One in three people over 65 will die with dementia yet research
into its causes and a potential cure is desperately under funded.
This announcement is recognition of the need for a clear plan to
drive forward and lead dementia research. It has the potential to
change lives. We look forward to working with the Government to
galvanise dementia research and towards a world where dementia can
be defeated.”
Notes to Editors
1.
Key Stats
The Government invested £32 million in dementia research in 2008
and a further £30million initiative to boost research into
neurodegenerative diseases has been launched by the Medical
Research Council and Wellcome Trust.700,000 people have dementia
in the UK and this number will rise to 1million in the next ten
years. Dementia is one of the main causes of disability in later
life, ahead of some cancers, cardiovascular disease and stroke.One
in three people over 65 will die with a form of dementia. There
are 15,000 people under the age of 65 with dementia.Dementia costs
the economy £17 billion a year.
2. The Government’s Dementia Strategy can be found at www.dh.gov.uk/dementia.
3. About the group
The new group members will include the main bodies with a stake
in the future of dementia research, including government,
charities and the commercial sector. It will be chaired by Phil
Hope, Minister of State for Care services.
The new group will focus on increasing the volume, quality and
impact of dementia research and aim to help scientists in the
field of dementia research get more access to existing funding.
The Group will encompass the full range of relevant scientific
activity, from basic biomedical, through applied clinical, to
heath and care services research, covering work on cause,
prevention, cure and care.
4. About the research
summit
The Department of Health and Medical Research Council held a
dementia summit on July 21 st 2009. The aim of the summit was to
identify gaps and opportunities for dementia research. A full
report of the research summit findings is available on request.
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk