Britain is seeking to take the lead in promoting global research into dementia amid claims of a lack of investment in tackling the problem, it has been announced.
Government ministers say there is enough research under way in the UK for it to attract investment as part of global initiatives.
A select group of 150 senior people in the world of dementia research are to attend a private conference aimed at show-casing Britain’s facilities as part of the drive.
Unique patient data and access to government funding will be among the incentives aimed at investors.
The guests will include senior researchers and charity leaders as well as industrial leaders.
Dr Eric Karran, director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: "As the number of people in the UK living with dementia spirals towards a million, charities, government and industry must join forces to ensure that research successes are translated into patient benefits.
"This event provides a platform to demonstrate the unique research opportunities provided by the NHS, our leading academic centres and flexible funding. A thriving research sector is our only hope for defeating dementia."
Chief medical officer Professor Sally Davies added: "We are all facing an unprecedented health challenge from dementia as the population ages, but the challenge of finding effective treatments is one we cannot under-estimate.
“The UK understands that only by offering the right research environment and support for industry can we all work together towards a common goal of tackling this condition.”
Health minister Norman Lamb said that by 2050 some 115 million people world-wide could be affected by the problem.
He said: "The UK wants to be a world-leader in dementia research, but only by international collaboration can we tackle the global challenge of this condition."
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