Science Minister Lord Vallance has set out new solutions to increase the number of patients receiving a timely diagnosis of dementia.
There are currently one million people in the UK living with dementia and this number is set to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. 1 in 4 acute hospital beds are currently occupied by a person with dementia.
Researchers and industry have been allocated £5 million of initial funding to come up with ideas to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia and ease pressure on the NHS.
A target is in place for 92 per cent of patients to be diagnosed within 18 week's of a doctor's referral by 2029. This figure is currently less than 50 per cent.
Solutions could include 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, or even before symptoms have begun to show.
These would mark a shift from traditional tests which rely on noticeable signs of decline.
Science Minister Lord 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."
Health Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said: "For too long, our health system has struggled to support those with complex needs, including the one million people living with dementia. This ambitious challenge represents a crucial step forward in our mission to build an NHS fit for the future.
"By harnessing the power of innovation to diagnose dementia faster and more accurately, we can ensure patients and their families get the support they need earlier, when it can make the greatest difference.
"Together, we will transform how we approach dementia care and give millions of people the chance of a better quality of life."
