Dementia is the UK’s leading cause of death and impacts half the population, either directly or through loved ones. While new research and treatments are emerging, the challenges remain significant.
The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that more than 250,000 people remain undiagnosed, severely limiting their access to care, and nearly 90% of unpaid carers say they have reached a crisis point.
These challenges highlight the urgent need for awareness and collective action. Insurance Day for Dementia (IDFD) today showcases how our industry can unite to drive change and support those affected.
Insurance United Against Dementia
Insurance United Against Dementia (IUAD) is a fundraising and awareness campaign led by the Alzheimer’s Society.
Since 2017, IUAD has raised over £11m for research and support, funding breakthroughs in treatment and ensuring that essential services, such as Dementia Support Line calls, can continue.
Last year, I was given the real privilege of joining the board of IUAD, helping to raise awareness of the illness and supporting fundraising for the amazing Alzheimer’s Society.
To date, the campaign has created more than 18,000 ‘Dementia Friends’ in the industry to help increase understanding of the disease amongst protection colleagues.
Insurance sector’s unique role
Having lost both my father and my father-in-law to this disease, I have seen firsthand the devastation dementia causes. Dementia deeply affects not only those diagnosed but also their families, causing emotional and financial hardship. The insurance sector is uniquely positioned to help, as our advisers, underwriters and claims teams regularly support people at their most vulnerable.
Unpaid care for dementia costs the UK up to £21.1bn annually, with women bearing much of this burden, impacting wellbeing, careers, and the gender pay gap. Every statistic represents a family facing exhaustion and lost income.
Despite these challenges, the insurance industry’s £8bn yearly contribution shows our potential to drive meaningful change.
Progress and the need for continued investment
Recent advances in dementia research, including breakthroughs in blood tests and recognition in the NHS 10-year plan, are making earlier and more accurate diagnosis possible. For the first time, there is hope that dementia can become a manageable condition. However, continued progress relies on sustained funding and commitment.
Insurance United Against Dementia (IUAD) has set a £20m fundraising goal to support new research, innovative care, and expert guidance through the Dementia Support Line. These efforts also focus on raising awareness and signposting support across the protection sector, helping colleagues, clients, and customers, and supporting the NHS plan, where dementia is a top priority.
The annual Insurance Day for Dementia brings the industry together for meaningful change. Last year, over 1,800 colleagues from 65 businesses raised more than £245,000 through events and awareness sessions, demonstrating the extraordinary impact of collective action.
The role of the protection industry
Beating dementia requires year-round commitment from the entire sector to ensure fewer families face this illness alone. The protection industry has spent decades helping people facing death, critical illness, disability, and injury – we have the insight, the motivation and the capability to create a more hopeful future for those affected by the condition.
Julie Godley is director of intermediary at L&G Retail
