UK Government’s Dementia Commitment

Back in 2012, the UK government commenced Prime Ministers first challenge, aiming to make  the UK a leader in dementia care and research. Since then, significant progress has been made. In this article, we will review the vital changes and improvements achieved in the country’s healthcare provision, research funding and community involvement. 

About the challenge

Since the challenge began in 2012, government research funding doubled to over £60 million per year. This was backed by a number of investors who were instrumental in kickstarting the challenge. In 2015, the government dementia planning was revised to focus on four key areas: Dementia Awareness, Health and Care Delivery, Risk Reduction and Research and Funding. These four themes encompass 18 commitments, established by the government aiming to improve dementia care and accelerate research development. Year 2015 was the launch of the updated 2020 challenge, which has been building on the achievements made since 2012. 

Astonishing achievement

The 2018 review of the dementia challenge has provided some astonishing achievements that will benefit the lives of many who live with dementia and those caring for them. According to the report published 1 year ago, dementia diagnosis rate rose above the challenge’s initial target of 66.7%. This is important, as correct and early diagnosis provides an advantage for those in dementia care. Looking after your loved one should be made easier with 2.78 million dementia friends and 412 dementia-friendly communities, as well as over 1 million NHS staff who have attended appropriate training. The UK has also been the driver of global action, by organising the first ever Summit on Dementia in 2014, as well as leading the way in research investment and development of disease-altering and life-altering therapies. 

More work to be done

Commitment to dementia care will continue into 2020 with further goals and targets to achieve. The UK government will aim to transform risk reduction approach by providing more education on dementia risks and how to reduce them. These include lifestyle-associated risks of dementia. The exciting launch of a new Dementia Research Institute will provide more opportunities for dementia patients to participate in pioneering research. Close monitoring of the progress is essential, as the government establishes a new Dementia 2020 Citizens’ panel, which will provide first-hand reports to ministers and senior management, helping to identify whether the actions are producing desired results. Overall, the Dementia 2020 Challenge aims to provide every single dementia patient with best possible care at hospital, their home or care home, whilst pioneering research and development in dementia treatment and prevention. Community awareness is at the heart of this challenge, which will help people in dementia care remain active members of society without discrimination. Given the expected increase in the number of dementia sufferers, this is something that needs to be taken seriously, whilst research is ongoing to a cure, it can be as early as 10 years' away. 

Here at Looking After we are excited to see the report for 2020 Dementia Challenge. We hope the commitments set out in the plan will make a life changing difference for dementia patients, those at risk as well as their carers and loved ones. To find out more about Looking After, take a look through our website here and join us on our social page here on Facebook.