Society is calling fordementia awareness

Alzheimer's Society staff, supporters, volunteers and people affected by dementia came together to mark the recent Dementia Awareness Week at more than 600 events around the country, including around 60 in the south east.
Fix Dementia Care Campaign;
Alzheimers Society;
Portcullis House, Westminster;
10th February 2016.

© Pete Jones
pete@pjproductions.co.uk SUS-160217-125706003Fix Dementia Care Campaign;
Alzheimers Society;
Portcullis House, Westminster;
10th February 2016.

© Pete Jones
pete@pjproductions.co.uk SUS-160217-125706003
Fix Dementia Care Campaign; Alzheimers Society; Portcullis House, Westminster; 10th February 2016. © Pete Jones [email protected] SUS-160217-125706003

Angie Newing, operations director for the Alzheimer’s Society South, said, “We asked people to confront the condition head on and I was touched by the notes people wrote, including this one: ‘Dear Dementia, I would rather not have had you, but I’m learning to live with you, with a lot of help from my friends at Alzheimer’s Society and my wife. It’s not the end of the world!’

“It is important that we continue talking about and confronting dementia so that we build on the awareness raised this week.”

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The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.

Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse.

Claire Grover-Forde, Alzheimer’s Society Services Manager for East Sussex, said: “This year we wanted to tackle the myths and misunderstandings about dementia and to show people that life doesn’t end when dementia begins.

“Activities like the Dementia Friends session help by giving people a better understanding of dementia and the small things we can all do to make a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia.

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“A Dementia Friends session is a fun, interactive way to learn a little about dementia and how it can affect people’s lives.”

“Talking about dementia can be scary, but confronting the condition and seeking help early offers the best chance of getting the right support, advice and treatment.

“Alzheimer’s Society is available for anyone affected by dementia and there are lots of ways the charity can help you.”

The Alzheimer’s Society says hundreds of thousands of families are touched by dementia every year and many people don’t know where to turn.

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The organisation was formed in 1979 by two people with extensive experience of caring for relatives with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is there for anyone affected by the condition and there are lots of ways it can help.

Call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit alzheimers.org.uk/DAW.

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