BARONESS CASEY: Just as we did for cancer treatment, this country must come together to create lasting change

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BARONESS CASEY: Just as we did for cancer treatment, this country must come together to create lasting change

Daily Mail · 2 weeks ago

Baroness Casey argues that dementia should become Britain's next great national mission, with the same coordinated effort that transformed cancer treatment since the 1970s. She contends that dementia is currently mishandled as an inevitable part of ageing rather than as treatable neurological diseases, leaving patients and families poorly supported after diagnosis. Drawing on cancer's example, Casey advocates for investment in research, clinical trials, and improved NHS treatments, alongside unified leadership through a dedicated "dementia tsar" position to drive coordinated action and ensure accountability.

By 2040, 1.4 million people will be living with dementia in Britain. Casey endorses the Alzheimer's Society's call for patients to receive diagnosis, care plans and treatment access within 18 weeks of GP referral, matching standards already in place for other major health conditions. She emphasises that lasting change requires public participation through the "Big Conversation On Care", with proposals to be voted on before 23 September, arguing that progress depends on society acting together rather than politicians and experts designing solutions alone.

  • Dementia needs national mission status matching cancer treatment's successful transformation
  • Government must appoint dementia tsar and coordinate NHS research and treatment expansion
  • Public participation essential in defining care standards and system changes by 23 September

Health Medicine World

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