September is World Alzheimer’s month
There are currently estimated to be 44 million people worldwide living with dementia. The number of people affected is set to rise to over 135 million by 2050.
This month (September) marks the fourth global World Alzheimer’s Month which aims to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that is still often associated with dementia.
This year the theme for the campaign is ‘remember me’. This is intended to encourage people to recognise and spot the early signs of dementia; it also aims to help us remember loved ones who are currently living with the disease.
We are supporting the awareness month and encouraging our staff to become ‘Dementia Friends’ an Alzheimer’s Society initiative led by the Department of Health. The training, which is part of the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia, aims to increase awareness and change the way the nation talks, thinks and acts about dementia.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia which is the term used to describe a set of symptoms that include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.
Dementia is progressive and there are lots of ways to continue to live well with it.
During world Alzheimer’s month, it is also World Alzheimer’s Day on the 21st of September.
GMW’s Dementia Care Lead, Gillian Drummond, will be holding some Dementia Friend’s sessions for the NHS Prescribing Authority who are responsible for the whole of NHS prescriptions across the North West. Gill urges all services to hold events in line with the theme ‘remember me’ to raise both awareness and money to go towards helping a great cause.
Our very own Recovery Academy also holds courses based around dementia, which include Dementia Friends sessions and Living Well with Dementia ‘these will be available to book onto when the new prospectus is launched in October 2015.
