The UK is on the verge of a “revolution” in therapeutics and diagnostics for dementia, a leading neurologist said.

Professor Siddharthan Chandran, Director and CEO, UK Dementia Research Institute, said the “devastating impact” long delays for diagnosis can have on families could soon be overcome, thanks to advances in clinical trials and treatments.

His comments follow an announcement by the Science Minister, Patrick Vallance, that £5 million in funding has been allocated to accelerate dementia diagnosis and improve the quality of life for those living with the condition.

Researchers have been tasked to come up with new solutions, including ramping up work on blood tests that spot the build-up of proteins associated with dementia, or saliva analysis that notices hormone changes at the early stages of a fading memory.

The aim is that, by 2029, more than 92% of patients receive a diagnosis within 18 weeks of a doctor’s referral – up from less than half currently.

Speaking following a visit to the UK Dementia Institute in Cambridge, Vallance said: “Few people in the UK will go through life untouched by the impact of dementia - whether through a personal diagnosis or in caring for, or coming to terms with, its effect on a loved one.

“We must therefore grasp the opportunities that science and technology offers in getting people the early and effective diagnosis they need to continue living fulfilled lives while reducing the pressure on hospitals.

“Whether it involves advanced blood tests or home AI tools and much more besides, we’re setting a clear, measurable and ambitious target, challenging researchers to drive forward potentially game-changing discoveries to transform the lives of people across our country while building an NHS fit for the future and growing our economy.”

Professor Siddharthan Chandran, Director and CEO, UK Dementia Research Institute said: “As a practising neurologist, I see first-hand the devastating impact that a long delay for diagnosis can have on an individual and their family. We’re now at an inflection point. The next five years will see a revolution in both therapeutics and diagnostics for dementia, and we’re already seeing the beginnings of that transformation today.

“The UK has, arguably, the greatest cluster of world-leading researchers in this space, working in some of the best universities in the world, in partnership with industry and our NHS. This ambitious commitment will enable these brilliant scientists and clinicians to deliver the breakthroughs in tomorrow’s diagnostics that will transform the lives of people living with and at risk of dementia.”

The Dementia Patient Flow R&I Challenge is the third of five to be announced as part of the R&D Missions Accelerator Programme – backed by £500 million set out in the Spending Review.