Kirklees is taking a lead on raising the awareness of people living with dementia.
The news came on the eve of a national summit on the condition.
But in Kirklees, officials have already planned the launch of the Kirklees Local Dementia Action Alliance in Spring 2014, which aims to focus on improving the lives of people with dementia in the borough.
At the G8 Dementia Summit, the Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive, Jeremy Hughes, pledged at least £100million to dementia research over the next decade, with Prime Minister David Cameron to announce the UK’s annual funding.
This represents the first time a Prime Minister has used the presidency of the G8 to take action on a single disease.
Adam Fletcher, chairman of the Kirklees Local Dementia Action Alliance (KLDAA) and managing partner at Ridley & Hall, said: “Hopefully this marks the dawn of a new era in dementia care and awareness.
“Whilst this announcement is clearly welcomed, the level of funding committed is still significantly lower than that committed to cancer research and care.
“Dementia is without doubt the largest social care and health challenge worldwide.
“Whilst we have little control over international policy and we are a relatively small region, I am encouraged by the individuals and organisations within Kirklees who are working tirelessly towards our community becoming dementia-friendly”.
