G8 Summit on Dementia

Lord Davies of Stamford Excerpts

Tuesday 17th December 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Walton of Detchant (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Davies of Stamford (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Lord Walton of Detchant]

Does the Minister accept that much of the increased incidence of dementia is a result of the fact that many of us are living much longer than was the case in the past? Does he further agree that there is clear research evidence to suggest that continuing intellectual and physical activity, care and attention to diet, and control of blood pressure can delay the onset of dementia in many individuals, and that, as a consequence, once early dementia appears, programmes to promote such physical and intellectual activity are very valuable? In such programmes, volunteers play a very important part across the country. What are the Government doing to promote these projects?