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Dementia Research Charity Calls On Government To Reduce Dementia Stigma

Alzheimers-Research-UK-logoAlzheimer’s Research UK is calling for government to lead on a national effort to reduce stigma and improve understanding of dementia after new evidence shows the impact of the ‘hidden nature’ of dementia. The call comes as the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia today published a new report, “Hidden no more: dementia and disability.”

The report finds that although people experience different symptoms of dementia, 81% of people with dementia and their loved ones who took part in the survey said dementia should be identified as a disability. A quarter of people polled also said they face stigma and negative attitudes because of the condition.

Alzheimer’s Research UK supporters were among those to provide evidence to the report.

Helen Davies, Head of Public Affairs at Alzheimer’s Research UK said:

“Alzheimer’s Research UK is pleased to have contributed to the development of this report by giving evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia.

“We know that dementia is the health crisis of our time and one in three children born today will develop dementia in their lifetime unless a treatment is found. This important evidence from people living with dementia and their loved ones further demonstrates the way that dementia permeates our society and the need for better treatments.

“As well as improving care, government must put just 1% of dementia’s economic cost towards research to bring about life-changing treatments. Alzheimer’s Research UK is calling on government to use increased funding to lead national awareness campaigns to reduce stigma of dementia and increase understanding of how people can reduce their risk.”

Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK and costs £26bn each year. Over 80% of that cost is carried by social and informal care. There is currently no way to slow, stop or entirely prevent the condition.

 

 
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