New Polling Reveals Overwhelming Public Support for Greater Action on Dementia

New polling for Alzheimer’s Society ahead of today’s Autumn budget has revealed strong public support for greater UK Government action on dementia, including increased investment in diagnosis, research, treatment and care.

The findings show that nearly eight in ten people (79%) support increased government investment in dementia, while 76% believe it should receive funding on a similar footing to major conditions such as cancer.

More than seven in ten (72%) back the charity’s call for a national maximum wait of 18 weeks for a dementia diagnosis, and over half (56%) rank dementia among the top three health conditions the government should prioritise over the next five years.

Meanwhile, 44% said they would be more likely to vote for a party that committed additional funding to dementia.

The poll also found:

• 42% place an early and accurate dementia diagnosis within 18 weeks among their top three priorities for government action on dementia, making it the public’s number one dementia priority.

The polling comes just weeks after the Prime Minister of the UK announced that dementia research would become a national priority, alongside a new national taskforce to accelerate progress. Alzheimer’s Society welcomed the commitment as a significant step forward, but says people affected by dementia also need action to improve diagnosis, treatment, care and support now, as well as investment in the research that could transform lives in the future.

Michelle Dyson CB, Alzheimer’s Society’s CEO, said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, affecting almost one million people, yet it has been overlooked and underfunded for far too long.

“These findings show the public understands both the scale of the challenge and the need for action. People want to see faster diagnosis, better support and continued progress towards new treatments that can offer hope.

“A dementia diagnosis can be lifechanging, giving people answers, access to support and plan for the future. But too many people are still waiting too long for answers and facing a postcode lottery in the care and support available afterwards.

“The message from the public is clear: dementia must be a priority. Now the UK Government must match that public ambition with action, investing in the diagnosis, treatment and support that people living with dementia need today, while driving forward the research that could transform lives tomorrow.”

Paul Kemp, from Kent, whose wife Sandra lives with Alzheimer’s disease, said: “We knew something wasn’t right long before Sandra was diagnosed, but it took more than two years to get answers. During that time, her symptoms got worse and we were left feeling lost and unsure where to turn.

“Dementia has changed every part of our lives. Sandra had to give up work, and I eventually left my job to care for her full-time. Alongside the emotional impact, we’ve faced financial worries, struggled to access support and often felt like we were fighting the system on our own.

“Getting a diagnosis sooner and making sure families can access the right support afterwards would make a huge difference. No one should be left waiting for answers or battling for help when they’re already dealing with the reality of dementia.”

Join Alzheimer’s Society in demanding that everyone referred by their GP gets a dementia diagnosis, a care plan and, where appropriate, treatment within 18 weeks. Find out more at alzheimers.org.uk/campaign