UK to host first G8 dementia summit

The government has announced that the UK will be hosting the first G8 summit on dementia as part of its ongoing efforts to develop new solutions for tackling this growing global health issue.

Health ministers from each of the eight member nations of the political bloc will congregate in London on December 11th 2013 to discuss how they can coordinate efforts and create an effective international solution to dementia.

Priorities for discussion include looking for effective therapies, slowing the impact of the condition and breaking down barriers to collaboration within and between companies, researchers and clinicians.

The UK will be taking advantage of its 2013 presidency of the G8 to push for action on this matter, given the high financial costs associated with providing care for the rising number of dementia sufferers worldwide.

Secretary of state for health Jeremy Hunt said: "The G8 today have a unique chance to come together to help people manage dementia better, lead healthier lives and deliver real improvements in care and substantial economic savings."

Efforts are also being made in the UK to launch various campaigns to encourage research into new dementia treatment solutions, while also raising awareness of the disease.