THE DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY PORT H

EATHROW plans to become the world’s first dementia-friendly airport and has pledged to give all its 76 000 employees training to help them assist people affected by the disease and make them feel understood and included.

In partnership with the UK-based Alzheimer’s Society and Omniserv, an external provider of assistance for passengers with special requirements, Heathrow has started implementing a number of initiatives.

These include training staff to be aware of the needs of such travellers; training “Dementia Friends”, a frontline team who regularly interact with affected passengers; developing strategies for security personnel to help reduce anxiety during security screening; and providing quiet lounges in terminals.

Heathrow’s commitment comes as Oscar-nominated British actress Carey Mulligan was named by the Alzheimer’s Society as their first Global Dementia Friends Ambassador. Her grandmother, Margaret Booth, 90, has suffered from dementia for 16 years.

Worldwide, over 47 million people have dementia and that number is projected to rise to over 135 million by 2050.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Travelling can be a frightening experience for people affected by dementia. This can put people off travelling and in turn lead to their feeling socially isolated. We are delighted to be working with Heathrow on their commitment to become the world’s first truly global dementia-friendly airport.”