MP SIGNS PETITION CALLING FOR INCREASE IN DEMENTIA RESEARCH FUNDING

5.13.27pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 19th Aug 2008

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has joined author Terry Pratchett in signing a petition to the Prime Minister calling for an increase in dementia research funding.

The petition has already been signed by thousands of Alzheimer's Research Trust supporters.

The petition's text reads:

I am appalled that research into Alzheimer's and related diseases, which affect around 700,000 people in the UK, currently receives just 3% of government medical research funding. I strongly urge the government to increase funding for dementia research as a matter of urgency.

Lorely will join Terry Pratchett and several leading scientists in a march from Parliament to Downing Street to hand the petition to the Prime Minister later this year.

"So many with early stages of dementia are already denied the drugs they need to improve their quality of life," said Lorely.

"I am confident there will be a huge turnout of supporters to present the petition to No 10 this autumn. Much more can and should be done to help the lives of those suffering from dementia and their families."

ENDS.