ART: Awareness must improve

There are a number of areas relating to dementia that must be addressed to improve care, the Alzheimer's Research Trust (ART) has said.

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the charity, said improving disease awareness, early diagnosis and the quality of treatment are key areas that need addressing.

The ART is one of a number of charities that has welcomed the consultation into the first-ever dementia strategy that the government is running until autumn.

Ms Wood described the consultation as a "positive step forward".

"We are delighted to see that dementia is finally receiving the attention it deserves and the Alzheimer's Research Trust is looking forward to working with the government to help develop a programme of research into dementia."

The charity claims that Alzheimer's research is "severely underfunded" and hopes that government will increase funding.