I have previously campaign around Dementia frequently. Our constituency has the second highest number of dementia sufferers of the 650 constituencies across the UK. With an issue of such local importance, back in February 2022, I joined the debate in Parliament on Dementia research and called for a better deal for those with dementia, and the selfless people who care for them. The video for this can be found here.

Whilst a couple of years ago, I took a dementia test at the Pebsham GP surgery to highlight our area being ahead of the game by offering testing away from a hospital setting. A local GP, accompanied by someone who can immediately be on hand to help and advise if the test is positive, is a more comfortable and familiar experience. It was good to highlight these fantastic local care initiatives whilst asking for social care reform to be delivered. 

Dementia affects not just individuals, but also their families and loved ones. And by 2025 an estimated one million people will be living with dementia, therefore research is crucial to understanding the condition and improving outcomes for those affected. As part of this challenge, the Government has committed to improving the quality of dementia care, increasing public awareness, and understanding of the condition, and increasing the amount of funding for research into dementia. I was proud to stand on a manifesto that committed to doubling dementia research funding and finding a cure for dementia.

In memory of the late Dame Barbara Windsor, the Government launched a new mission in August 2022 to put this into practice. Research funding for dementia will rise to a total of £160 million a year by 2024, with an additional £95 million being provided to increase clinical trials and research projects. To ensure the funding is allocated effectively, a new taskforce made up of industry, the NHS, academia, and families affected by dementia will lead this important work. You can register your interest to take part through the Join Dementia Research website here: https://www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

We also understand the importance of addressing dementia waiting lists and increasing the number of diagnoses. In 2021, £17 million was made available to Clinical Commissioning Groups for this purpose. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.