Burstow backs Dementia report in parliament

12.14.03pm GMT Thu 1st Mar 2007

Paul Burstow MP for Sutton and Cheam has tabled a motion in parliament calling on the Government to take urgent action to address dementia problems. His action came as the Alzheimer's society published a report, entitled Dementia UK, detailing the rising prevalence and cost of dementia.

The report offered fresh evidence on the nature and size of the problem, revealing that nearly 700,000 people, more than 1 in 10, suffer from the disease. Treatment of dementia costs nearly £18 billion a year. The report also predicted that the number of sufferers will rise by 154% to 1.7 million by 2051.

The report highlights the need for greater community care and family support in helping those suffering from dementia and calls for greater investment and research into the prevention, care and cure of dementia.

Paul Burstow - a co-chair to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Older People - has worked long and hard to raise the profile of Alzheimer's and dementia in parliament. Last year, Mr Burstow conducted a nationwide survey into prescription practices for dementia drugs. He has worked closely with the Alzheimer's Society and has tabled two other motions before parliament to highlight the need for government action.

Speaking about his motion, Mr Burstow said:

"The Government's track record in helping those suffering dementia is woeful."

"It is essential that the Government acts on the recommendations made in the report immediately - it can not afford to ignore this issue any longer"

"Dementia strips people of their freedom and their dignity; it destroys lives and places immense pressure on the family and loved ones of sufferers"

"I join the Alzheimer's society in calling on the government to make dementia a national priority for 2007"