Succession’s Brian Cox calls on government to bolster NHS for dementia treatment

Succession star Brian Cox has urged people to sign a petition calling on the government to bolster the NHS so it can deliver the next generation of dementia treatments, now that a cure is in sight.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has launched the Ready for a Cure campaign and petition, which wants the government to deliver a national plan to bring new dementia tests into the NHS.

Cox, 80, who has witnessed the effects of dementia on his family, said: “Having lost both my brother and my brother-in-law to dementia, I have witnessed the helplessness of facing a condition where there were simply no choices available.

The actor said research was at a ‘turning point’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

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“Now, we are at a turning point in Alzheimer’s research, driving us closer to a future where Alzheimer’s is not just managed, it’s cured.

“But progress means little if it doesn’t reach the people who need it. Right now, the NHS is not equipped to deliver the next generation of dementia treatments and diagnostics.

“We need immediate, decisive political action to prepare our health service, starting with an overhaul of how we deliver early, accurate diagnoses.

“With life-changing treatments now within reach, there’s not a moment to waste.

“I encourage everyone to join me in signing the petition urging the Government to prepare the NHS for a potential cure.”

The petition also calls for the government to connect more people with dementia to clinical trials through a nationwide system and establish a dementia drugs fund to make new treatments available while evidence is gathered about their use in the NHS.

Brian Cox says he has witnessed the effects of dementia, having lost his brother and brother-in-law to the condition (Ben Whitley/PA)

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Hilary Evans-Newton, chief executive officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “The progress made by scientists means we are now at a moment that sits at the heart of our Ready for a Cure campaign and petition – that someone alive today could be the first person cured of Alzheimer’s.

“Research is bringing that future closer than ever before, but scientific progress alone is not enough.

“People will only benefit if the NHS is ready to accurately diagnose patients, connect them to research opportunities and offer future treatments.

“That is why we are launching this petition. We need people to support our call for action and ensure that the Government hears us.

“Around one in three people living with dementia still do not have a formal diagnosis, limiting access to support today and potentially to future treatments tomorrow. Without action now, the risk is that scientific progress will outpace NHS readiness.

“Someone alive today could be the first person cured of Alzheimer’s. Research is bringing us closer to that future but people will miss out if the Government doesn’t act now.”

The petition can be signed at http://alzres.uk/Petition-News.