A majority of Britons want dementia to be made a national healthcare priority, according to a recent poll, but few believe the government is adequately preparing for the expected rise in cases. The survey, conducted among 1,000 people by Alzheimer’s Society, found that 81 percent of respondents support prioritizing dementia within the healthcare system. However, only 15 percent think the government is currently doing enough to address the growing impact of the disease.

The findings come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has publicly spoken about his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s, is seen as well positioned to gain political support by focusing on dementia care and research. More than half of those surveyed (52 percent) said they would be more inclined to back a political party that pledged increased funding for dementia initiatives.

Dementia remains the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, claiming approximately 76,000 lives annually. The Alzheimer’s Society and media partners have launched the Defeating Dementia campaign, which aims to increase public awareness, promote early diagnosis, enhance research efforts, and improve care services.

Michelle Dyson, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, emphasized the urgency of government action. She stated that despite dementia’s significant toll, successive administrations have not treated it with sufficient priority. Dyson highlighted recent advancements such as new treatments and blood-based diagnostic tests as potential turning points, but warned that without decisive policy measures, many patients may not benefit from these developments.

The Alzheimer’s Society has proposed several recommendations for the Prime Minister, including establishing an 18-week target for diagnosis, appointing a dedicated dementia tsar, and developing a strategy to manage the introduction of new drugs. These measures are designed to streamline care and better prepare the healthcare system for future demands.

Residents of Burnham’s Makerfield constituency express cautious optimism about his leadership on this issue. Andrea Yates, 41, who lives locally, remarked that having a Prime Minister familiar with the challenges of dementia “makes a difference,” noting Burnham’s personal connection to the disease through his father.

The poll’s release underscores a widespread public demand for increased governmental focus on dementia as the population ages and the incidence of the condition rises. With strong voter interest in dementia policies, the issue could become a significant factor in forthcoming political debates and policy decisions.