To mark World Alzheimer’s Month, Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP joined Alzheimer’s Research UK at an event in Parliament on Wednesday 15th September to show his support for dementia research. The aim of the event was to highlight the importance of the UK Conservative Government’s manifesto promise to double funding for dementia research, known as the Dementia Moonshot.
In the UK nearly 1 million people are living with dementia, and it is one of the leading causes of death. We all know someone affected by dementia. It has a devastating impact on individuals and their loved ones.
Not only does dementia cause harm and heartbreak to millions of families, but it is also placing huge strain on our health and social care system. The economic cost to the UK of caring for people with dementia is estimated to grow from £24bn in 2014 to £59bn by 2050.
Historic global underinvestment means that while dementia research is making progress, it still lags far behind research into other major conditions. The additional investment provided by the Dementia Moonshot, could transform dementia research in the UK and even help to find a life-changing treatment.
Mr Baynes was one of many MPs to meet with representatives from Alzheimer’s Research UK, the country’s leading dementia research charity, as well as people impacted by the condition.
Simon Baynes MP said:
“I was delighted to join Alzheimer’s Research UK to show my support for their work to help find preventions, treatments and, one day, a cure for dementia. An estimated 1 in 3 people born in the UK this year will develop dementia in their lifetime. It is therefore vital that we increase investment in dementia research to help make the progress needed to end the fear, harm and heartbreak caused by dementia.
“I also have a personal perspective on this issue, as my mother-in-law, Alina, had Alzheimer’s and my wife Maggie and I set up the charity, Concertina – Music for the Elderly, about 25 years ago, which provides live music for the elderly in care homes and day centres across Wales and England. This not only brightens up their lives, but provides vital therapy for those suffering from dementia. More information can be found here: https://www.concertinamusic.org.uk/.”
David Thomas, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added:
“A big thank you to Simon Baynes MP for taking the time to join us and support dementia research during World Alzheimer’s Month. Dementia is one of the biggest global health crises we face. In 2019, the government made a manifesto promise to double funding for dementia research to £160m a year and speed up progress in clinical trials. Now is the time to deliver on this pledge.
“The response to COVID-19 has shown us what science can achieve with increased investment and momentum. And we’re confident that, with the right support, we can make the life-changing breakthroughs that are so needed for people with dementia.”
