Keep promise to double dementia cash, Tories told

CHARITY bosses last night told ministers to deliver on the promise to double dementia funding.

Ahead of Wednesday’s Budget, Alzheimer’s Research UK issued a warning that failure to do so would see the killer condition spiral out of control and engulf the NHS.

Disgraced former health secretary Matt Hancock made the pledge to this newspaper weeks before the 2019 general election.

Crucial

He said he would plough £1.6billion of taxpayers’ cash into research over the next decade – an extra £83million a year – describing it as a “Dementia Moonshot” that could lead to a cure.

But almost two years on, Mr Hancock’s promise has not been kept.

Now campaigners want to see the promise fulfilled.

Hilary Evans, Alzheimer’s Research UK chief executive, said: “The rapid response to Covid-19 has shown what science can achieve with the right will and resources. We are at a tipping point for progress in dementia research and, with government support, the UK could lead the world in this field. We have a rich research ecosystem – especially in early science.

“The Moonshot is a much-needed next step and the spending review is a crucial opportunity to deliver.

“The funding would position the UK as a leading location for global life sciences investment.

“But, more importantly, it could help fund life-changing treatments for dementia.”

There are almost one million people in the UK living with dementia, projected to rise to two million by 2050.

Professor Bart De Strooper, director of the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: “In April, dementia overtook Covid as the leading cause of death – a stark reminder of this growing and lasting health crisis.”