SOLIHULL MP BACKS ALZHEIMER'S CAMPAIGN

1.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 9th Apr 2008

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt is backing a cross-party campaign in the House of Commons to highlight the impact Alzheimer's disease has on people in the UK and the need for further research.

Mrs Burt has signed a motion in the House of Commons applauding the work of author Terry Pratchett (an Alzheimer's sufferer) with the Alzheimer's Research Trust to increase funding for research into diagnosis, treatment and a possible cure for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"Alzheimer's sufferers in Solihull and across the UK are forecast to double within a generation. There are already 700,000 sufferers and for each person, £11 is spent on UK research compared with £289 for each cancer patient.

"With the projected rise in the prevalence of dementia there is an urgent need to invest more in research now to find an answer to this devastating condition.

"The increased cost to provide long-term care for older people with dementia in England alone will run into £billions. Money spent wisely now will help relieve suffering for so many individuals and families who will have to cope with this long term, degenerative condition.

"Alzheimer's Research Trust are currently funding over 150 cutting-edge research projects at leading UK universities. World-class scientists are making outstanding progress. Yet they still have to turn down two out of every three grant applications, leaving much more that needs to be done.

"I am delighted to be able to support the charity by signing my colleague, Greg Mulholland MP's Early Day Motion to raise awareness of the issue here in Solihull and in the House of Commons."