East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow MP, Dr Lisa Cameron, is encouraging more people with or without dementia to take part in clinical trials.
This World Alzheimer’s Month, the Dementia Research Champion is supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK in its bid to increase the number registering to take part in clinical trials across the nation, and ultimately find life-changing treatments sooner.
Throughout September, Ms Cameron will be taking action, as new figures reveal significantly fewer people are taking part in dementia research, compared to those for other leading health conditions.
In 2020-21, just 61 volunteers were recruited to late-stage dementia drug trials supported by the NIHR Clinical Trial Network – that’s 100 times fewer than cancer, and 10 times fewer than either stroke or coronary heart disease.
There are nearly one million people in the UK living with dementia, with 1362 estimated to be living with the condition in East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow.
Yet there are currently no treatments available in the UK that slow down or stop the diseases that cause dementia, such as Alzheimer’s.
The MP says more people taking part in dementia research is needed if life-changing treatments are to be discovered and encourages people living in East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow to register with Join Dementia Research - the service which matches people to dementia studies in the UK.
Ms Cameron said: “I’m proud to be named a Dementia Research Champion and issue a clarion call encouraging people from all backgrounds to participate in dementia trials. Research has the power to transform the lives of everyone affected by dementia – but it will take all of us to bring about the life-changing treatments people desperately need.
“Dementia is the greatest long term health challenge we face in the UK, and I am particularly keen to help ensure everyone who receives a dementia diagnosis in East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow is made aware of the research opportunities available to them.
“I look forward to playing my part in the coming weeks and working closely with Alzheimer’s Research UK to help drive progress in dementia research.”
David Thomas, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re delighted to have the support of Dr Lisa Cameron MP on such an important issue.
"People with dementia need MPs like Lisa who will champion research in parliament and signpost the ways in which the public can get involved in the search for life-changing dementia treatments.
"We know the public appetite for taking part in research has never been greater – with more than two- thirds of people in the UK reporting a willingness to get involved in dementia research, yet just two per cent of people living with dementia are registered with Join Dementia Research.
"We would urge people with or without dementia who are interested in taking part in research, to register through Join Dementia Research online or by calling 0300 111 5 111.”
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