Thank you to all who aided dementia fight

THE Dementia Action Week’s theme this year of diagnosis will have struck a chord with many people. Hopefully more people will now recognise the symptoms of dementia and the importance of seeking a timely diagnosis.

I want to thank everyone in Bath who got involved, whether it was by publicly sharing their own personal experience of a dementia diagnosis, engaging with events, social media activity, or just talking with family and friends.

On the first day of the Action

Week, the Alzheimer’s Society recorded a 70% increase in calls to its Dementia Connect support line (0333 150 3456), compared to the same timeframe the previous week.

We know diagnosis rates are at a five-year low due to the pandemic, and tens of thousands of people are living with undiagnosed dementia. In Bath and North East Somerset, there are 2,760 people estimated to be living with dementia.

Some people are putting off a diagnosis because they think memory loss is a normal part of ageing, they don’t recognise the signs, or they are just too afraid.

A new survey by the Alzheimer’s Society found, in the South West, 23% of people are more likely to visit their GP if they found a lump than if they experienced dementia symptoms. I would encourage anyone who has concerns for themselves or a loved one to visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s website, (alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss), where they have a new symptoms checklist that can be printed off, filled in and taken with you to help discussions with a GP.

A diagnosis can be daunting but it’s better to know, and crucial to help people manage symptoms and avoid ending up in crisis. A diagnosis can allow more time to plan for the future and unlock the door to treatment, care and support.

If you have been inspired to support Alzheimer’s Society, why not get involved in its Forget Me

Not Appeal this June? (For more information, visit alzheimers.org.uk/ forgetmenot).

Sir Tony Robinson Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador