The growing problem of the pernicious condition that is dementia is having a devastating effect on more and more families.

So news that funding for research is to be doubled is something that is very welcome.

But that increase will not be fully in place until 2025, and this is an issue that is touching more and more lives, whether through relatives or friends, and it needs urgent action.

We are generally enjoying longer lives thanks to advances in medical science, but sadly, this condition is still one we are some way from being able to treat.

It affects thousands in Bradford, with an estimated 35 per cent of sufferers remaining undiagnosed. While that seems a high figure, it actually compares very favourably with the national average of 52 per cent.

We have reported on a number of local initiatives over recent years that will have helped raise awareness of the condition and that have worked to change attitudes towards those affected by it.

And that work has undoubtedly helped sufferers and their families in the local area.

It is a medical breakthrough that is needed though, and that will only come through increased funding.

That is why it is absolutely imperative that not this increase to £132 million is the bare minimum that is put into dementia research.

Dementia robs people of dignity, of quality of life, and of who they are.

For the sake of all who suffer from it and all those who care for them, we have to make finding a way to treat and cure it one of the highest and most urgent priorities for medical science.