Steve McCabe MP has joined campaigners from leading charity Alzheimer’s Society for Dementia Awareness Week. The week long campaign is taking place from 15th – 21st May and is seeking to increase understanding of dementia amongst the general public. It’s also hoped that the national campaign will raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Society’s services and how people can help and support those affected by dementia.
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 diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. It is estimated that there will be 1 million people living with dementia in the UK by 2025.
A diagnosis of dementia can come as a shock. When a person with dementia finds that their mental abilities are declining, they often feel vulnerable and in need of reassurance and support. The people closest to them, including their carers, friends and family, need to do everything they can to help the person to retain their sense of identity and feelings of self-worth.
Steve McCabe MP said:
“Dementia is a difficult condition to come to terms with and to care for and that is why people living with dementia deserve the right support and care, both in their community and in hospitals.
“In February this year I joined with campaigners and volunteers from Alzheimer’s Society for the launch of their ‘Fix Dementia Care’ campaign which is calling for improvements in hospital care for people living with dementia. Raising the standard of care across the country is desperately needed so that people with dementia and their relatives can enjoy a better quality of life.”
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