Swindon MP highlights work of Alzheimer’s Society

South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland has named Alzheimer’s Society as his charity of the week.

Sir Robert works closely with the organisation in his constituency as part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of dementia. 

He said: "It is important that we work to boost diagnosis rates locally so that we can help more people to access vital care and support.

"The word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language, and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia.

"Alzheimer’s Society is made up of people with dementia, carers, trusted experts, campaigners, researchers, and clinicians. 

"They are the UK’s largest collective force of people with unparalleled knowledge and over 40 years of experience addressing the biggest challenges facing people living with dementia."

Sir Robert added: "Dementia is the biggest health and social challenge of our time. There are currently estimated to be 900,000 people in the UK with dementia. Many are undiagnosed and facing the realities of their condition alone. Alzheimer’s Society are working hard to change this.

"Sadly, many people affected by Dementia feel that society fails to understand the condition they live with. By becoming a Dementia Friend, which is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative, you can help by raising awareness and understanding, so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want. 

'I became a Dementia Friend a few years back now, and I would encourage anyone who wants to help people living with dementia in their local community to do the same. It is a simple process, which is available to everyone."

Julie Osborne, Alzheimer’s Society Local Services Manager, said:

“We’re grateful to Swindon South MP Sir Robert Buckland for making Alzheimer’s Society his charity of the week. We estimate there are 2,700 people living with dementia in Swindon, yet too many are facing it alone.

“We encourage people across Swindon to join Sir Robert in supporting Alzheimer’s Society. One way to do this, is by getting involved in our charity appeal and wearing a Forget Me Not badge throughout May, sending a message to everyone affected by dementia that they have not been forgotten."

People can find out more at https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBArticle?page=become-dementia-friend