Cameron pledges £300m investment into dementia research

The UK is set to be the "best place in the world" for dementia research after getting a £300 million cash injection from the government.

Announcing the plans today, David Cameron said: "It is a very simple but bold ambition.

"That is to make the United Kingdom the best place on the planet in terms of researching into dementia, diagnosing people with dementia and then treating, helping and caring for them.

"Not just hospitals and care homes, but the whole of our country making dementia friendly communities."

Charities have welcomed David Cameron's £300 million funding into dementia research - but an expert has warned more is still needed.

Jane Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, said: "We warmly welcome the Prime Minister's announcement on dementia diagnosis, research and awareness.

"This is an area where the UK is genuinely ahead of other countries, but it is essential to continue that progress as dementia continues to have a cruel impact on those affected by it - those with dementia themselves but also their families and carers."

However, Professor Nigel Hooper, dementia researcher at the University of Manchester, told BBC Breakfast: "£300 million is a great investment and we're really pleased with that.

"But when you compare it with what the funding for cancer research is - which is five times more globally than we have for dementia research - more funding is still required."