The findings come from an Alzheimer's Research Trust and Alzheimer's Society commissioned YouGov survey of 2,022 people.

The poll found that, when asked to consider dementia care costs and research funding ‘in view of the current economic climate', 66% said that there should be an increase in dementia research funding. 

Just 2% wanted to see Alzheimer's funding cut.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: ‘This poll shows the call for more investment into dementia research comes not just from the dementia charities but also from the public.

‘The government currently spends eight times less on dementia research than on cancer research. Much more needs to be invested in dementia research if we are to see the same advancements in dementia care and treatment as we have seen for cancer.' 

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, added: ‘Dementia costs our economy £17bn per year, more than cancer and stroke combined, and that figure is set to triple within a generation unless scientists develop new treatments.'