Burnham vows dementia research focus

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a forty eight million pound commercial partnership to accelerate dementia research following his father Roy's death from Alzheimer's last month.

Government and industry combine funding

A government investment of thirty three million pounds will combine with funding from Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK and Gates Ventures to recruit more people for clinical studies.

Burnham rejects managing dementia

Speaking ahead of Friday's Innovation Nation Summit in Manchester, Burnham said dementia should be defeated, not managed. He wants Britain to make the breakthrough and deliver the cure.

“I want Britain to be the country that makes the breakthrough and delivers the cure for dementia the world has been waiting for.”

Barbara Alliance to speed treatments

The capital will support The Barbara Alliance, set up in memory of late EastEnders star Dame Barbara Windsor, to speed up new dementia treatments through linked health records and clinical trial infrastructure.

Health Data Research Service launched

Dementia will be made a top priority of the new Health Data Research Service, backed by up to six hundred million pounds from the Government and the Wellcome Trust, bringing together NHS and research data.

Cooper backs care and research

Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said the investment will speed up diagnosis, accelerate research and give more people chances to join trials that could transform their futures.

“This cruel disease has done so much damage to families across our country, and for too long we have lacked the tools to fight back.”

Scott Mitchell welcomes Barbara's legacy

Dame Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell said the announcement means Barbara will have a second legacy beyond her acting career, and praised Burnham for his personal experience with dementia.

“For me, this means Barbara won't just be remembered for her bra flying off in Carry On Camping, she's got a second legacy.”