Eight in 10 Britons want Andy Burnham to make dementia a national healthcare priority but few believe the government is doing enough to prepare for rising cases.
The new prime minister, who has spoken about his dad’s battle with Alzheimer’s, would boost his popularity with the electorate by taking action, the survey suggests.
New polling of 1,000 people by Alzheimer’s Society – shared exclusively with the Daily Mail – found 81 per cent want dementia to be made a national healthcare priority.
But just 15 per cent believe the government is doing enough to prepare for the growing number of people affected.
Furthermore, more than half of voters (52 per cent) say they would be more likely to back a party that commits to increased dementia funding.
The Daily Mail and Alzheimer’s Society have partnered in a drive to defeat dementia, which claims 76,000 lives a year as Britain’s biggest killer.
The Defeating Dementia campaign aims to raise awareness of the disease, in an effort to increase early diagnosis, boost research and improve care.
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, but time and time again successive governments have failed to make it the priority it needs to be.
‘This polling sends a very clear message to our new Prime Minister.
Andy Burnham, who has spoken about his dad’s battle with Alzheimer’s, would boost his popularity with the electorate by taking action, the survey suggests.
Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP.
‘People expect action on dementia and need a leader who will deliver it.
‘Hope is on the horizon, with new treatments and blood tests for diagnosis already a reality. But without decisive action, too many risk missing out.
‘This is a turning point.
‘We know that our new Prime Minister understands the reality of living with dementia and has made early commitments to making social care a priority.
‘He must seize this moment and set out a bold and ambitious plan that will leave a lasting legacy for everyone affected by dementia.’
Ms Dyson, formerly a senior official at the Department of Health and Social Care, has previously accused the NHS of treating dementia patients as ‘second-class citizens’ who are ‘cast aside’ and typically sent home with little more than a leaflet.
Alzheimer’s Society has set out five asks of the PM, including an 18 week diagnosis target, a new dementia tsar and a plan to prepare for the rollout of new drugs.
Andrea Yates, from Mr Burnham’s constituency of Makerfield, said: ‘I’m pleased to have a Prime Minister who is local to us and who knows what it’s like to have a dad living with dementia.
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, has previously accused the NHS of treating dementia patients as ‘second-class citizens’.
‘My dad Michael, who ran a joinery business in Makerfield for 45 years, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023.
‘The new Prime Minister often talks about hope, and we’re really hopeful that Andy Burnham will take this opportunity to change things for people affected by dementia.
‘Diagnosis, support and care need to get better, so that proud, intelligent people like my dad, people who paid into this country for years and are now living with this awful disease, get properly cared for and looked after.
‘It’s important that we have someone in charge who cares. We’re hopeful he’ll make a change, not just for my dad, but for the million other people in our position.’
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘Dementia is a cruel disease that devastates lives.
‘This government is investing record amounts in research, expanding participation in clinical trials and making the UK a leading place to develop and test the next generation of treatments.
‘As part of our 10-Year Health Plan we will improve the quality and consistency of diagnosis, care and treatment across the NHS.’
