Lets Unite Against Dementia To Bring About Change

Ken Oxley is Media Officer for the Alzheimer’s Society in the North East and Cumbria

Contact: Name: Ken Oxley 0191 2983989 / 07483 926575 
ken.oxley@alzheimers.org.uk

It will be Dementia Awareness Week from May 14 to 20 and this year we are calling on people from all walks of life to support our theme and stand ‘United Against Dementia’.
 
You may have seen our United Against Dementia television advertisements, one of which stars England legends Sir Geoff Hurst and Gordon Banks talking about how dementia has affected three members of the 1966 World Cup winning team.
 
What does ‘uniting against dementia’ actually mean in practice? In short, we are calling on people to take positive action to bring about change.
 
You could make a donation to Alzheimer’s Society, organise a fundraising event, or participate in an existing event, such as Cupcake Day on June 15 or the North East Memory Walk on October 7.
 
But it isn’t just about money, it’s about raising awareness too.


You could become a Dementia Friend by learning more about how the condition affects people and how you can help them. Simply visit our website at alzheimers/org.uk
 
Or you could become a volunteer – we have a range of services from dementia cafes to activity groups.

We’re attacking dementia on all fronts because even though it is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer – and costs the economy more than cancer or heart disease – it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
 
Stigma still exists and, sadly, many people do not get the care they need. We hear from countless families telling us that they are funding care themselves or are juggling work and caring for a loved one as they see no other solution because successive governments have failed to invest in social care.
 
This is what motivates us to push for change. Dementia should be everyone’s problem because it can affect us all. So please, unite with us and let’s make change happen.
 

• Ken Oxley is the Media Officer for Alzheimer’s Society in the North East and Cumbria

 
About Alzheimer's Society:

• Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. This will soar to two million by 2051.
• Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that’s one every three minutes.
• Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and has committed to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade. This includes a £50 million investment in the UK's first dedicated Dementia Research Institute.
• Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer's Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
• Let's take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.  
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk  
• Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc
• Like us on Facebook
• Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety