Pauline Latham OBE MP recently hosted a Dementia Friends Session at The Church on Oakwood, with the aim of raising awareness of dementia and outlining the support that is available for sufferers and their carers.
The UK’s ageing population means that the diagnosis of dementia is on the increase, and there are currently around 14,000 people living with the disease in Derbyshire alone. Dementia, however, does not just affect older people and 40,000 younger people in the country suffer with the condition.
The session was presented by Mr Gary Burr from the Alzheimer’s Society. He explained that the Government is allocating more public health funding money towards dementia. In fact, £400 million has been allocated to help fund breaks for carers of people with dementia under the Care Act 2014. The Department of Health has also increased spending on dementia research to £66 million.
Mr Burr went on to discuss the Dementia Friends Scheme, which is designed to promote awareness and dispel the stigma of the disease. There are a number of celebrities who have become Dementia Friends, including the Prime Minister. The Scheme teaches those that sign up to it what they can do to help a dementia sufferer, and provide the care that will allow them to live normal lives in spite of their condition.
Mrs Latham is also hosting a Dementia Awareness Roadshow Bus on Monday 16th February from 9.00-4.00 p.m. at Park Farm Shopping Centre in Allestree. Entry is free, and there is no need to register attendance. However, if you would like further details, please contact Mrs Latham’s constituency office on 01332 676 679.
Mrs Latham, MP for Mid Derbyshire said:
“Dementia is a terrible condition, but more must be done to promote understanding and to encourage others to help sufferers live their lives as normally as possible. The Alzheimer’s Society are doing some fantastic work to raise awareness of the condition and provide support to patients and carers alike. I am looking forward to the Roadshow Bus I am hosting in conjunction with them at Park Farm Shopping Centre in Allestree, and hope that those that attend find it useful."