Every £1 invested in dementia research generated £2.59 in the UK economy, directly linking investment in research to economic growth for the first time.
The figures equate to £529million in economic impact during 2019/20, including 7,353 full-time equivalent jobs.
With dementia research now at a “tipping point”, with the first generation of treatments to slow cognitive decline becoming available, a study was commissioned by Alzheimer’s Research UK to show the impact and potential of dementia research.
Working with the Office of Health Economics, the Economic Value of Dementia Research report also found that the return on dementia investment will further increase with the availability of new disease-modifying treatments and advancements in prevention and diagnosis.
To help sustain and develop this further, the report makes three key recommendations for the UK:
- develop a long-term strategic and sustainable plan for dementia research funding
- deliver on a healthcare mission approach to dementia
- embed and promote research across the UK.
And if the Government’s manifesto commitment to double dementia research funding to £160million by 2024 is realised, every £1 invested will generate almost four times that (£3.96) in economic impact.
Furthermore, six times as many people (12,213) could benefit from participating in clinical trials for dementia, if UK participants were included at the average participation rate in all 224 global phase 3 interventional trials.
Dementia is growing hugely among the global population, with an estimated 55million people globally living with the condition – a number predicted to rise to 78million by 2030 and 139million 20 years later.
But this research helps to show the very positive impact of dementia investment, both now and into the future, in helping to change the outlook for so many.
“If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia, either by developing the condition ourselves, caring for someone, or both,” say Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“Increased investment over the last decade and the UK’s world-leading institutions mean that the UK is well placed to benefit from a wave of new investment that will accompany breakthroughs in treatments such as lecanemab and donanemab.
“Sustained investment in dementia research is vital to build on and accelerate further progress in developing new life-changing treatments.
“This offers the potential to transform the lives of millions of people across the UK and to support economic growth.”
