David Cameron has put pressure on Theresa May to come good on a pledge he made during his time in Downing Street to increase dementia funding.
The former Prime Minister has called for more spending on research into the condition, saying it should not be so far behind stroke and cancer funding.
His comments come as he announces he has become the president of Alzheimer's Research UK - his second major role since leaving Number 10.
In an article for The Times newspaper, Mr Cameron wrote: "We must win the battle for priorities.
"Cancer research and stroke research deserve all their funding - but dementia shouldn't be so far behind.
"Dementia steals people's lives, turns their relationships upside down, destroys their hopes and dreams. We owe it to them, their families and their carers to find a solution."
He said that "just as we did in the past with cancer and HIV", people must be educated about the condition and it should not become just "an inevitability of later life".
It is estimated that around one million people in the UK will have dementia by 2025.
Downing Street responded by saying the Prime Minister was committed to increasing support for the fight against dementia.
A spokeswoman for Mrs May said: "We are committed to taking forward the plans that have been already set out for increased support for helping people with dementia and tackling this vital issue."
Tackling the problem was a key "personal priority" for Mr Cameron during his tenure in Downing Street.
In 2013 he hosted a G8 dementia summit, pledging to double spending on dementia research by 2025. In 2015 he announced £300m would be spent on research by 2025.
The Alzheimer's role is the second he has taken on since standing down - in October he was announced as chairman of National Citizen Service Patrons.
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