Dementia sufferers 'let down by society'

Age Cymru has welcomed the publishing of a report by the Alzheimer's Society which exposes the realities of life for dementia sufferers across Wales.

It shows that 44% of people with dementia are feeling let down by society because of a lack of support in their community.

Commenting on the findings, our Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Graeme Francis, says:

"In 20 years' time, 1 in 3 of us will develop some form of dementia and this report clearly shows that society needs to address the way that it is currently failing people who have dementia.

"Age Cymru is particularly concerned by the report's findings that many people feel let down by their communities and worry that they are a burden.

"We believe that dementia-friendly communities are essential to avoid people becoming increasingly isolated and cut off from local life.

"Age Cymru's Community Calculator research project into the needs of our ageing population in 2010 found that older people commonly reported feeling that they did not have a voice in their local communities.

"It also found that a lack of suitable facilities and amenities in neighbourhoods across Wales was contributing to this widespread social exclusion.

"Making our communities age-friendly must be a priority for the future, as must meeting the needs of people who have dementia.

"Age Cymru's Scams Awareness and Dementia Project is contributing to this by helping people with dementia to protect themselves from scams and financial abuse."