Dementia is a growing problem that affects not only those who succumb to this most devastating of illnesses, but also their friends and family.

With an increasing ageing population it is an issue that is only going to get bigger for society, both how people cope on a personal level and how the state copes with the growing numbers of people who need help.

So it is excellent news that Bradford Dementia Group at the University of Bradford has received £2.4 million of funding to conduct a four-year study into how the quality of care for dementia patients in care homes can be improved.

While it is, of course, important for research to be carried out into the causes of dementia with the ultimate hope of either curing the conditions that lead to it or at least slowing them down, it is equally – perhaps more – vital that we adjust how we treat people with the illness.

Through our With Respect campaign, the Telegraph & Argus has for a long time been campaigning for the older members of our society to be treated with the dignity they deserve in all areas of life.

This research should hopefully bear fruit which will directly address one of the major concerns of recent times – how care homes treat the elderly they are charged with looking after, particularly those with dementia problems.

When families can no longer care for elderly members with dementia – or there is no family they can rely on to begin with – it is absolutely vital that care homes provide the very best possible service to cater to these highly specialised needs, and thanks to this funding Bradford will be leading the way in ensuring that happens.