Bill Gates to invest $50 million to advance research towards a cure for Alzheimer’s

Bill Gates has today announced a $50 million investment into the Dementia Discovery Fund, motivated by personal experience of Alzheimer's disease in his family. In a statement and video, the philanthropist highlights the urgency to make progress in our understanding of the causes of dementia, as numbers of people affected globally are on the rise. In addition to boosting research into the underlying causes of the disease, Gates identifies four other priority areas that need attention, including improving dementia diagnosis and participation in clinical trials, bringing new ideas and theories into the field, and using the power of big data to speed up research progress.

Jeremy Hughes, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society said: “Alzheimer’s Society wholeheartedly welcomes Bill Gates’ significant personal investment to advancing research into Alzheimer’s disease. This will not only speed up the progress we make towards finding a cure, but his attention to the cause will also help to eliminate the negative stigma that still exists around dementia to help create a better world for the 50 million people globally who are living with the condition today. Gates’ support has already had a positive impact on research being conducted into other diseases so we are delighted that he is now personally uniting in the fight against dementia.

“In the 1970’s President Nixon launched a war against cancer that ignited research investment and collaboration across the globe. Today more people survive cancer than die from it and with sufficient investment in dementia research we know the same tremendous progress will be possible for people and families affected by dementia too. With Bill Gates now joining all those already united against dementia, there is new hope for advances in the care and cure of dementia".

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

• Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. This will soar to two million by 2051.
• Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that’s one every three minutes.
• Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.
• Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and has committed to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade. This includes a £50 million investment in the UK's first dedicated Dementia Research Institute.
• Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer's Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
• Let's take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia.
• Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
• Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc
• Like us on Facebook
• Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety

Press Office: 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk

Founded in 1979 as the Alzheimer’s Disease Society. Royal Patron: HRH Princess Alexandra, The Hon Lady Ogilvy KG GCVO, President Emeritus: Sir Jonathan Miller CBE, Chair: Stephen Hill, Vice-Chair: Pippa Gough, Honorary Treasurer: David Kelham, Chief Executive: Jeremy Hughes CBE. Registered office: 43-44 Crutched Friars, London, EC3N 2AE. Registered charity no. 296645. A company limited by guarantee and registered in England no. 2115499.