UK Government dementia campaign

Responding to the news that an awareness-raising campaign to help the public recognise the signs of dementia is being launched in England today, Age Cymru's Policy Advisor Amy Clifton says:

"With cases of dementia in Wales estimated to rise by 35 per cent in the next 20 years, this is clearly an area that must be a priority for the Welsh Government.

"Urgent attention must be given to reducing the levels of stigma attached to this condition, as well as improving public awareness of the symptoms of dementia, as is happening with this campaign in England today."

Today's UK Government campaign is highlighting the following signs of dementia:

• Struggling to remember recent events;
• Problems following conversations;
• Forgetting the names of friends or objects;
• Repeating yourself;
• Problems with thinking or reasoning;
• Confusion in familiar places;

Amy Clifton adds:

"Raising public awareness of dementia and its symptoms could yield significant results in getting people to seek help and support at an earlier stage of their illness.

She concludes:

"We also feel that a targeted campaign of action to give health and care professionals a better understanding of dementia would result in improved care services for people who have dementia."