Abstract Background it has been a busy 50 years for dementia, a complicated voyage from obscurity and neglect towards recognition, knowledge and action. This commentary sets out that path through research, practice and policy to examine what we have achieved, where we are now and what more there is to be done. Findings the main themes identified were as follows: Conclusions we have made substantial advances in cause, cure, and care research and practice. Moving to deliver solutions to improve dementia care would be of major value to the whole health and care system.