This Dementia Awareness Week, I am encouraging residents in Cheadle to join me in supporting the Alzheimer’s Society’s #UnitingAgainstDementia, to improve awareness and take action by getting involved in becoming one of a growing network of Dementia Friends. I am pleased that the Prime Minister has also reaffirmed the investment pledge in the Conservative Party manifesto.

Improving the lives of people, their families and carers who suffer from dementia has always been a priority for Conservative Governments. As the number of people with the condition, which affects thousands of families across the UK, is expected to double by 2040 it is vital that we have an ambitious and long term plan in place.

Diagnosis rates for dementia have historically been low meaning many people have not received the care and treatment they need. However, I am pleased that ambitious investment and action from this government have seen rates of diagnosis rise in recent years and awareness rise substantially.

In February 2015, the then Prime Minister David Cameron published the Challenge on Dementia 2020 which focused on boosting research, improving care and raising public awareness about the condition.

I welcomed this ambitious challenge at the time, the key objectives of which will see England become the best country in the world for support and care for people with dementia, their carers and their families.

The Government has committed to invest in research and medical innovation, in order to back the country’s science and medical sectors to lead the way in discovering the next big breakthrough in dementia. This will enable England to undertake research into dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases highlighted by the creation of the UK's first ever Dementia Research Institute.

Dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face as our society ages. Though we have made some good progress over the last few years, there’s still a long way to go in our fight to combat this disease and the affect that it has here in Cheadle and across the UK.