Why are we doing this research?

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease is a problem for everyone as we grow older. Currently, progress of the disease can be delayed; every year of quality life is invaluable. New treatment may stop progress of the disease in the future, but early detection will be vital.

676,000 people are estimated to have dementia in England, and 1 in 3 deaths of people over 65 is caused by dementia. The cost of caring for people with advanced dementia is huge, £50,000/year is the minimum for residential nursing care.

The Prime Minister has made Dementia research a national priority:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prime-ministers-challenge-on-dementia-2020

The G8 world leaders also identified dementia research as a priority, saying that "[we commit ourselves to] ... greater innovation to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers while reducing emotional and financial burden"
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/g8-dementia-summit-global-action-against-dementia/g8-dementia-summit-global-action-against-dementia-11-december-2013