The Next Prime Minister must Deliver Hope to People Affected by Dementia

In a matter of weeks we will know who will lead the Conservative party for the remainder of its term in office, and into the next General Election.

However, a change of leadership must not mean any change in commitment to the families of an estimated 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, including an estimated 39,080 in the North East.

Alzheimer’s Society has welcomed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of a ‘national mission’ to tackle dementia.

Earlier this week he committed an extra £95m in research funding, meeting the Conservative’s election manifesto commitment to double funding for research into treatment to £160m by 2024, in memory of Dame Barbara Windsor.

We are now calling on the remaining two candidates vying to succeed the Prime Minister to ensure dementia remains a top priority – and to deliver on social care reform and a ten-year plan for dementia too.

With Conservative leadership hustings taking place throughout August, this is a critical moment for everyone affected dementia in the UK.

In addition to its commitment to double research funding, the government has pledged to reform social care, putting people living with dementia in control of their care and reducing the amount they pay for it.

And, earlier this year, they also announced a visionary ten-year plan for dementia, backed by proper funding. This could be truly transformational for people living with the condition in the UK.

We need to offer hope for everyone affected by dementia – urgent action and investment is needed to deliver on all these commitments. Our next Prime Minister must implement these life-changing reforms.

• Ken Oxley is the Media Officer for Alzheimer’s Society in the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Ken Oxley

Media Officer

North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Alzheimer’s Society

07874 886222