'These people may need more care support earlier, and on top of a backlog – it is estimated that around 30,000 fewer diagnoses than expected have taken place.

Dementia is the biggest non-communicable health challenge facing the world today, yet there is just 31p spent on dementia research for every £1 on cancer research in the UK.

'However, dementia research – despite chronic underfunding – had been gaining momentum and starting to deliver some really exciting results, but the impact of the pandemic has been devastating – over half of our researchers had stopped part or all of their research in January 2021.

'Like many charities, we’ve taken a hit financially while people have needed us more than ever before – our experts on the frontline have heard from so many families in crisis and our support services have been used over six million times since March 2020. The road to recovery for people affected by dementia will be long and tough, so the need for the public’s support has never been more important.'

How the Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal 2021 will help

'We’re so grateful for any support the Telegraph readers can give, so we can fund vital dementia research, to improve care today for people affected by the condition while also helping find treatments.

'And donations will help us increase capacity in our services, including our support line, so this festive season we can help make sure no-one will face dementia alone and without adequate support.'

For people affected by dementia, Christmas can be a really challenging time and we often see an increase in demand to our already inundated support services.

'Breaking regular routines can be confusing or distressing for people with dementia, and also tough for carers, who may be looking after wider families as well at this time. Approximately 120,000 people living with dementia live alone.

'Whether it’s confidential advice, emotional support or practical information, Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia, around the clock – this Appeal can help us can reach as many people as possible at this difficult time.'