March 26, 2012

expert reaction to today’s announcement about funds to tackle dementia

David Cameron announced that funding for dementia would more than double in the UK by 2015. The SMC sourced quotes from mental health experts.

Prof A. David Smith, Professor Emeritus of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, said:

“Having worked on Alzheimer’s for over 30 years, I never thought I would hear our Prime Minister say such encouraging words. It is fantastic news that funding will be markedly increased for research, as that is the only way we can beat the disease. I hope that there will be an increased research focus on prevention, for there is every chance that we can prevent much of Alzheimer’s disease, just as we have prevented a lot of heart disease and stroke.”

Prof Gordon Wilcock, Professor of Clinical Geratology at the University of Oxford, said:

“This is the best news I’ve heard in the 30 years I’ve been working in the field. The UK already ranks very highly in the world of Alzheimer’s research, despite relatively poor funding in the past, and will increase the contribution we can make to defeating this awful illness, both in research and in improving care for sufferers.”

Prof Derek Hill, CEO of IXICO Ltd. and Professor of Medical Imaging Science at University College London, said:

“Most dementia patients and their families are very poorly served by the healthcare system. There has been huge progress over recent years in developing better tests for detecting Alzheimer’s Disease, and measuring how fast it is progressing. But these tests, which include advanced cognitive testing and advanced imaging, are only currently available for people participating in clinical trials of new treatments, or in a handful of specialist centres. By significantly increasing dementia funding, it will be possible to develop cost effective versions of these tests which could be made available throughout the NHS. It will also enable even better diagnostic tests to be developed and linked to the best treatment options.”

Dr Roxana Carare, neuroscientist at the University of Southampton and member of the University’s Ageing Multidisciplinary Research Group, said:

“The capacity for research into dementia in the UK is phenomenal – we have superb skills, ambition and knowledge. Unfortunately, up until now, anxiety about the lack of funding in dementia research dampens the enthusiasm of scientists and the quest for securing funds takes valuable time away from the laboratory. This announcement today will revitalise researchers and renew optimism in the field. However, we must not be complacent and must continue to work tirelessly to develop new therapeutic strategies and raise awareness of the impact that research into the mechanisms underlying dementia will have, on reducing NHS and care costs and burden.”