With a rapidly ageing world population, dementia is now seen by many as the biggest health challenge facing the planet. Most families now have first-hand experience of dementia. The panel considers the current state of care and how to address some of the challenges of the future. Tracey Williamson is Dementia Carers Count Professor of Family Care. Dawn Brooker is Director of the Association for Dementia Studies. Jeremy Hughes is Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society. Keith Oliver is an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Richard Cheston is Professor of Mental Health Research, University of the West of England.