Families across Britain are calling for action to tackle the dementia crisis, demanding a formal declaration of a national health emergency as the scale of suffering continues to rise. Dementia is a devastating reality facing one in two Brits who will either develop the disease or care for someone who does.

Its impact is now so widespread and devastating that 57% of UK adults, and a huge 74% of multi-generational carers, say it must be officially recognised. With dementia now the leading cause of death in England and Wales – responsible for more than 11% of all deaths in 2023 – the numbers are only heading in one direction. Yet there remains no cure, limited treatments, and inadequate investment in research.

Campaigners, carers and experts are urging ministers to act now, with 77% of adults backing the introduction of a national dementia screening programme. And along with so-called multi-generational carers, those juggling work, children and caring for ageing relatives, they argue early diagnosis could be life-changing, giving families the chance to plan ahead, seek support and maintain a better quality of life for sufferers.

At the moment, experts say tests aren’t accurate enough to support a screening programme, but blood tests show promise for the future.