Dementia and Alzheimer’s Treatments

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff Excerpts

Thursday 1st May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

My noble friend raises a very important point. In terms of trials, I will certainly be signing up—and I encourage noble Lords and their friends and families to do likewise—to Join Dementia Research, which is a collaboration between NIHR and a number of excellent charities, including the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Scotland, to take part in trials. There is no need to be a particular age or to have a diagnosis of dementia. I hope that noble Lords will join me in supporting this endeavour.

[Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (CB)]

My Lords, the commission on palliative care that I am currently involved in has found that by integrating services for patients with dementia, such as in the York Frailty Hub, the number of admissions to hospital can be decreased. People can stay at home with families supported and they can carry on living well within limited capabilities while we wait for new treatments and, hopefully, prevention to come along. Will the Minister meet me and Professor Mike Richards to go through some of the details of our findings? They have huge implications in saving finances for the NHS and improving care of patients.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

That is a very helpful offer which I will be pleased to accept. I compliment York on its initiatives, which set a very high standard. I will also discuss the points that the noble Baroness has raised with Minister Kinnock, who is the responsible Minister in this area.