Jan Killeen: We must find funds to deal with dementia

Published on Thursday 19 March 2009 09:22

ALZHEIMER Scotland welcomes the recognition Prince Charles has given to the devastating impact of dementia on the lives of individuals and their families. He makes the point very strongly that research into prevention and cure is urgent if the UK is to avoid the mounting burden on health and social services and families as our population ages.

There are 63,000 people with dementia in Scotland today and the numbers will rise to 114,000 by 2031. It is important to remain optimistic and realistic as there is no prospect of a cure in the immediate future. Current research developments suggest that it may be possible to halt the progression of the disease at an early stage and that would be an important step forward.

We have high hopes that the newly formed Scottish Dementia Research Network will provide an impetus for researchers to collaborate and attract the necessary funding to increase the speed of progress. More investment is essential – only two per cent of UK Government funding through the Medical Research Council is spent on Alzheimer's disease research, comparing poorly with funding for research into other major illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.

We also need to know more about how best to care for people with this complex condition. Other research published shows up deficiencies in the care of people with dementia living in care homes. This is a serious human rights issue and links with other recent research exposing the misuse of anti-psychotic drugs by care staff who lack training in how to best care for people with dementia. This is an avoidable problem. Alzheimer Scotland wrote to the Minister for Public Health last year pointing out these concerns.

By highlighting the subject, Prince Charles is helping to expel the stigma that besets the illness. It is vital that anyone who is worried about the illness for themselves or someone else should speak about it. Alzheimer Scotland has a 24-hour free helpline on 0808-808 3000 and website at www.alzscot.org

Jan Killeen is director of policy at Alzheimer Scotland – Action on Dementia