Dame Caroline Dinenage MP for Gosport is backing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s call for a new Dementia Medicines Taskforce to radically speed up the development and roll-out of new treatments for people with dementia.
Caroline has written to Lord Kamall, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Technology, Innovation and Life Sciences, asking him to set up the taskforce as a matter of urgency.
There are nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK1, a number that is expected to rise to 1.6m by 20501, yet there are currently no treatments available in the UK to stop or slow down the diseases that cause it.
In Caroline’s constituency of Gosport, 1512 people are estimated to have dementia.
By 2030, dementia will be the most expensive health condition of the UK’s top causes of death, costing £30 billion a year1.
Modelled on the UK’s successful approach that delivered COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, a Dementia Medicines Taskforce would bring together representatives from industry, the NHS, charities and researchers, with a single focus on fast-tracking the development and delivery of new medicines for diseases like Alzheimer’s.
With a bold and co-ordinated approach, the Taskforce would build on vital research and scientific breakthroughs to improve diagnosis as well as enhance late-stage clinical trials in the UK and enable regulators to rapidly assess new medicines.
Caroline said:
“I fully support Alzheimer’s Research UK’s inspiring idea for a Dementia Medicines Taskforce. It’s vital we continue to build on the progress made in dementia research and ensure that people with dementia receive new treatments as soon as they become available.
“A Dementia Medicines Taskforce would capitalise on the UK’s world-leading life sciences sector, and help make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by dementia. I have written to Lord Kamall urging him to ensure this policy is a key part of the government’s forthcoming 10-year dementia strategy.”
David Thomas, Head of Policy, at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We’re delighted to have the support of Caroline Dinenage on such an important issue. People with dementia need MPs like Caroline who will champion research in parliament and make sure new treatments are made available as quickly as possible.
“The 10-year dementia strategy is a unique opportunity for the government to take transformative action to support dementia research. A Dementia Medicines Taskforce would apply the same approach that delivered life-saving COVID-19 vaccines to bringing about the first life-changing treatments for people who desperately need them.
“With clear leadership from government and a shared commitment across industry, the scientific community and charities, we can accelerate research into the diseases that cause dementia and deliver life-changing treatments to the people that desperately need them.”
More information about the Dementia Medicines Taskforce can be found here: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/call-for-dementia-medicines-taskforce-to-end-long-wait-for-treatments/
