Menu
04/03/2011
Campaign Launched To Tackle Dementia
A Government campaign to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of dementia is being launched today by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow.
Aimed at challenging misconceptions about the disease, the campaign targets the family and friends of people at risk of dementia who are likely to be the first to see the signs and can encourage their loved one to see their GP.
While there is no cure, the right treatment and support can help slow the progression of the condition - meaning people are able to keep the person they love for longer.
Despite this, only around 40% of people with dementia in England receive a formal diagnosis. This means almost 400,000 people could be going without the vital support the NHS can offer.
The £1.2 million campaign will feature TV, radio and print ads. It will initially be piloted in two regions, the North West and Yorkshire and Humber, and if successful will be rolled out across the country.
Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: “People are afraid of dementia and rather than face the possibility someone they love has the condition, they can wrongly put memory problems down to ‘senior moments’.
“But if you are worried, the sooner you discuss it and help the person seek support the better. Don’t wait until a crisis forces your hand. Being diagnosed with dementia won’t make the condition worse but leaving it untreated will.”
Dementia is a progressive and eventually terminal condition, but with early intervention and the right support people with dementia can continue to live well for many years.
Today's campaign follows the successful national campaign, ‘I have dementia - I also have a life’, which ran last year. That campaign aimed to raise awareness of the condition and challenge the belief that people with dementia are not able to still enjoy life.
(BMcN/GK)
Aimed at challenging misconceptions about the disease, the campaign targets the family and friends of people at risk of dementia who are likely to be the first to see the signs and can encourage their loved one to see their GP.
While there is no cure, the right treatment and support can help slow the progression of the condition - meaning people are able to keep the person they love for longer.
Despite this, only around 40% of people with dementia in England receive a formal diagnosis. This means almost 400,000 people could be going without the vital support the NHS can offer.
The £1.2 million campaign will feature TV, radio and print ads. It will initially be piloted in two regions, the North West and Yorkshire and Humber, and if successful will be rolled out across the country.
Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: “People are afraid of dementia and rather than face the possibility someone they love has the condition, they can wrongly put memory problems down to ‘senior moments’.
“But if you are worried, the sooner you discuss it and help the person seek support the better. Don’t wait until a crisis forces your hand. Being diagnosed with dementia won’t make the condition worse but leaving it untreated will.”
Dementia is a progressive and eventually terminal condition, but with early intervention and the right support people with dementia can continue to live well for many years.
Today's campaign follows the successful national campaign, ‘I have dementia - I also have a life’, which ran last year. That campaign aimed to raise awareness of the condition and challenge the belief that people with dementia are not able to still enjoy life.
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 November 2011
Six In Every Ten With Dementia 'Undiagnosed'
Around 60% of people with dementia in England go undiagnosed. This means almost 400,000 people could be going without the vital support the NHS and social care services can offer. The National Audit Office estimates that, nationally, dementia costs health and social care services £8.2 billion per year.
Six In Every Ten With Dementia 'Undiagnosed'
Around 60% of people with dementia in England go undiagnosed. This means almost 400,000 people could be going without the vital support the NHS and social care services can offer. The National Audit Office estimates that, nationally, dementia costs health and social care services £8.2 billion per year.
03 February 2010
Dementia Research 'Underfunded'
Dementia research in the UK remains more underfunded than other serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, an Alzheimer charity warned today, it has been claimed. It costs the health service five times more to treat a dementia patient than the average person suffer from cancer.
Dementia Research 'Underfunded'
Dementia research in the UK remains more underfunded than other serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, an Alzheimer charity warned today, it has been claimed. It costs the health service five times more to treat a dementia patient than the average person suffer from cancer.
27 November 2007
'Huge Inequalities' In Alzheimer's Care
There are "huge inequalities" in standards of residential care for people suffering from dementia, a new report from the Alzheimer's Society has claimed. The charity's 'Home From Home' report surveyed more than 3,500 people, including relatives of people with dementia, care home staff and managers.
'Huge Inequalities' In Alzheimer's Care
There are "huge inequalities" in standards of residential care for people suffering from dementia, a new report from the Alzheimer's Society has claimed. The charity's 'Home From Home' report surveyed more than 3,500 people, including relatives of people with dementia, care home staff and managers.
01 March 2010
Third 'Avoid' Dementia Sufferers
One in three people are uncomfortable around dementia sufferers, according to new research. The figures released today, coincide with the Government's new dementia awareness campaign, aimed at educating people about the condition, and suggesting simple things that can help those living with the illness.
Third 'Avoid' Dementia Sufferers
One in three people are uncomfortable around dementia sufferers, according to new research. The figures released today, coincide with the Government's new dementia awareness campaign, aimed at educating people about the condition, and suggesting simple things that can help those living with the illness.
09 July 2009
First Specialist Dementia Advisers Start Work
People with dementia and their families will get more support throughout the course of the illness as the first dementia advisers start work from today. Demonstrator sites, announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope, will kick off in 22 areas around the country.
First Specialist Dementia Advisers Start Work
People with dementia and their families will get more support throughout the course of the illness as the first dementia advisers start work from today. Demonstrator sites, announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope, will kick off in 22 areas around the country.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
