Alzheimer’s Research Takes its call for Greater Investment to Westminster
Alzheimer’s Research UK has taken its campaign for greater investment in dementia research directly to Westminster, hosting a major parliamentary event that brought together MPs, researchers and people affected by dementia to highlight the latest scientific advances and the action needed to turn them into improved care and treatment.
Held in the Houses of Parliament on 17 June, the event was attended by 74 Members of Parliament, reflecting growing political engagement with dementia research. Alzheimer’s Research UK said the strong turnout followed support from campaigners across the UK who encouraged their local MPs to attend.
The event showcased recent developments in dementia diagnosis, treatment and research, while providing an opportunity for parliamentarians to hear directly from leading scientists and individuals with lived experience of dementia.
Among those addressing the gathering were Preet Kaur Gill, Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, Freddie van Mierlo, who sponsored the event, Professor Cath Mummery, and research participant Larry, who shared his personal experience of taking part in dementia research.
Speakers highlighted the significant progress being made in understanding and treating dementia, while emphasising that scientific breakthroughs must be matched by investment in healthcare systems capable of delivering new innovations to patients.
Researchers representing universities and research institutions across the UK attended the event, including experts from University College London, Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, The University of Edinburgh and The University of Sheffield. Volunteers and people with lived experience of dementia also contributed by sharing their personal stories and experiences of participating in research.
The charity said the event also strengthened parliamentary backing for dementia research, with eight MPs joining its Dementia Research Champion network. More than 100 parliamentarians have now signed up to the initiative, which aims to encourage greater political support for dementia research and innovation.
Alzheimer’s Research UK used the occasion to renew its call for Government action to ensure the UK is equipped to adopt emerging dementia treatments as they become available. The charity argues that alongside continued investment in research, improvements are needed in diagnostic pathways, healthcare infrastructure and access to clinical trials to ensure people living with dementia can benefit from new therapies without unnecessary delay.
The organisation believes that if the UK is to maintain its position as a global leader in dementia research, policymakers must ensure that healthcare services are prepared to deliver the next generation of diagnostic tools and disease-modifying treatments at scale.
Looking ahead, Alzheimer’s Research UK said it will continue working with MPs and members of the House of Lords to keep dementia research high on the political agenda, expand its Dementia Research Champion network and engage with ministers to build long-term support for research and innovation.
The charity said sustained collaboration between researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers and the public will be essential if scientific advances are to translate into meaningful improvements for the millions of people affected by dementia across the UK.
