Call for Government action ahead of event to raise awareness of dementia

A SPEAKER at a North-East event aimed at raising awareness of dementia has called for Government action to accelerate finding a cure.

Anthony Horan, community speaker for Alzheimer’s Research UK – the country’s leading dementia research charity – will address the “Living With Alzheimer’s and Dementia” event at Hardwick Hall, near Sedgefield, on September 18.

With more than 34,000 people living with dementia in the North-East alone, the target for a cure to be found is 2025. However, Anthony believes the wait could be reduced with greater Government support.

“There’s no formal Government programme, no dedicated pot of money, and that has to change. If scientists and universities had the right level of backing, we would accelerate the chances of finding a cure,” he said.

“In the meantime, we have to keep the issue on everyone’s radar and events like this help massively because they bring people together and raise awareness.”

The free event is being organised by Dale Care, the North-East’s largest provider of home care services. The company, which has a head office in Crook, has been providing care services across Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead, and Teesside since 1986.

Another key speaker will be an award-winning nurse who has pioneered revolutionary changes in the care of people with dementia in the North-East. Janet Mortimer, a nurse for more than 40 years, will be speaking about “positive approaches” to care.

Janet, Lead Nurse in Dementia, Delerium and the Enhanced Care Observation Team for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, won the “Excellence In Care” category at the Best of Darlington Awards last year.

She said: “It’s important to increase understanding of why people with the condition behave in the way that they do. The more we understand, the better we can plan for the future so that people can live positively for as long as possible.

“Events like this are so important, not just in terms of raising awareness, but also in supporting carers who can often feel isolated. Something like this counters that isolation and puts them in touch with others having similar experiences.

“If this event helps even one person to have a better understanding, or feel more confident, it will have done its job.”

Carol Jackson, Marketing and Communications Manager for Dale Care, said: “People with dementia form a significant proportion of those we care for, so our aim is to do as much as possible to raise awareness and share good practice.”

The event is from 11am to 2pm, with carers also in attendance to share experiences and give advice. Teas and coffees will be provided.

To book a place, contact Carol at carol.jackson@dalecare.co.uk or call 07751 828989.