1. The National Dementia Declaration lists a number of outcomes that we are seeking to achieve for people with dementia and their carers. How would you describe your organisation’s role in delivering better outcomes for people with dementia and their carers?

We work in partnership with others to ensure that support is always there for people affected by dementia and that people receive a timely diagnosis, the condition is understood and that people with dementia have the same rights as other members of society.

We will achieve this through funding scientific breakthroughs, strengthening communities by increasing understanding of the needs of people with dementia and the contribution of carers and striving to put an end to discrimination and stigma.

2. What are the challenges to delivering these outcomes from the perspective of your organisation?

With dementia higher on the public and political agenda than ever the task now is to create a broad church of individuals and organisations committed to action.

Public awareness of dementia is rising but understanding remains poor, e.g. that it is possible to live well with dementia and to make big differences to quality of life for people with dementia and their carers.

People with dementia are often diagnosed too late and do not get the information and support they need to begin living well with dementia - resulting in social isolation and exclusion.

Funding for dementia research is limited compared to other major disease groups and in a difficult economic climate we need to make a compelling case for action.

Most importantly we need to work with people with dementia, their carers and families to understand what matters most to them in order to transform their quality of life.