Landmark G8 dementia summit takes place in London

Members of influential world governments have convened in London today (December 11th 2013) for the first ever G8 summit on dementia.

The event provides the UK with an opportunity to take the lead in terms of global efforts to fight the spread of the neurodegenerative condition, while also outlining the progress Britain has made in investing in new research in this field.

Announcements will include a twofold increase in funding research into dementia by 2025, the launch of the world's largest research collaboration into dementia and the initiation of joint European action, through measures such as the Innovative Medicines Initiative.

The event will also highlight the two billion pounds of private sector investment in life sciences the UK has attracted since the government launched its national dementia strategy two years ago.

Prime minister David Cameron said: "If we are to beat dementia, we must work globally, with nations, business and scientists from all over the world working together as we did with cancer, and with HIV and AIDS."

According to the Alzheimer's Society, there are around 800,000 people in the UK with dementia, a figure that is expected to increase due to the rising average age of the population.