School is leading the way...

Those who has watched the slow disintegration of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, understand the profound effect this condition can have on all around them.

It is as frightening and bewildering for those close to the person affected as it is for sufferer themselves.

For those who have been fortunate enough to have had no first-hand experience of the condition, it’s easy to push it out your mind.

But to ignore dementia is not the right route to take. And it can’t be ignored forever.

As we report today, almost a third of young people today know someone living with dementia and, with more than two million people developing dementia in the next 10 years, most people will know someone affected in their lifetime.

Which is why the Holley Park Academy dementia cafe is such a wonderful idea. It works on many levels.

Pupils get to learn about dementia first-hand, by meeting sufferers and interacting with them in a comfortable environment.

Those diagnosed with early-stage dementia also benefit from being around children and engaging in conversation or activities that help jog memories.

It’s a simple, community focused project with farreaching benefits.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s is not going away.

Where once it would have been pushed out of sight, today a gentle introduction that benefits all involved can only be a good thing.

Early understanding of this condition removes the fear-factor of dementia and, we hope, fosters a caring outlook that can only do our society good.

Well done Holley Park for leading the way. We hope others follow...