Tackling Dementia: What Scientists have in Store for 2025

Researchers hope that by the year 2015, they may have a better grasp on how to treat dementia and possibly beat it.

According to news from the G8 dementia summit, hosted by the United Kingdom at London's Lancaster House, with the hopes of coordinating global action against dementia, officials discussed funding for future dementia research, with a pledge from Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron.

"In terms of a cure, or even a treatment that can modify disease, we are empty handed," said World Health organization (WHO) Director-General, Margaret Chan, via Reuters.

Categorized by memory loss that may interfere with daily function, dementia (with Alzheimer's disease being the most progressive and common form) has treatments but no current cure.

According to the meeting, Britain will be taking the lead in dementia research over the next several years. Cameron's keynote speech stressed that in order to combat dementia at home and throughout the world, more breakthroughs need to be discovered. That's why he is hoping to double the funding for dementia research, according to the news organization.

"Building a more competitive, resilient economy with new industries and the jobs of the future is a key part of my long-term plan for Britain. That's why we are throwing everything we have at making the UK the place to invest and locate and work in life sciences," Cameron said, via the Daily Record. "But if we are to beat dementia, we must also work globally, with nations, business and scientists from all over the world working together as we did with cancer, and with HIV and Aids."

Funding would increase from 66 million pounds or $108 million in 2015, to 122 million pounds ($200 million) in 2025.

The non-profit group Alzheimer's Disease International notes that dementia affects approximately 44 million individuals worldwide and is estimated to increase to 135 million by 2050.