Let’s ensure PM honours Tory dementia pledges

Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges facing society.

Alzheimer’s Society estimate that by 2025, a million people will be living with dementia in the UK, and by 2040, dementia will cost the UK economy £94.1billion annually.

Of the top 19 causes of death worldwide, dementia is the only one that can’t be cured, stopped, or even slowed down.

I would like to see this changed.

Improving the lives of people affected by dementia is so important to me because My wife suffers from this dreadful disease and I see the deterioration every day.

With a new Prime Minister taking office next month, this is a rare and crucial moment for dementia in our local area.

It is our chance to ensure it does not slip down the political agenda. Since the general election in 2019, the Conservative Government has promised to deliver:

• a Dementia Moonshot, doubling dementia research funding to deliver breakthrough treatments
• a massive reform of the Social Care system, putting people in control of their care and reducing the amount they have to pay for it
• a ‘visionary’ 10-year plan for dementia, backed by proper funding and powerful partners, which could be transformational for 900,000 people with dementia in the UK.

We must ensure these promises are kept by whoever becomes the next Prime Minister.

I want to see Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss pledge to make dementia a priority in their Government and help people in this area affected by dementia live more fulfilled and less fearful lives.

Gerard
Old Bexley and Sidcup