MS raises Alzheimer’s and dementia issue

MID and West Wales Senedd Member Jane Dodds is calling for greater awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

She raised the issue at the Senedd during Dementia Action Week, when various organisations and individuals seek to raise awareness of the conditions. This year’s theme is ‘diagnosis’ after it was revealed diagnosis rates of Alzheimer’s have fallen to a five-year low.

MS Mrs Dodds, who is leader of the the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said the work of those who care for dementia sufferers should also be recognised, highlighting her own experience of her mother having had the disease.

Recent research by Carers Trust Wales showed that almost half of carers of people living with dementia reported that their health had deteriorated during the pandemic.

She said: “I wanted to put on record my thanks to those communities and services for the work they do to support individuals living with dementia.

“As someone who was personally affected by dementia when my mother was diagnosed with the disease, I know all too well how critical both carers’ and charities’ work is and how important early diagnosis is for individuals and their families.

“We have multiple examples of dementiafriendly schemes across the region including the Brecon Dementia Friendly Community, which won an award for their work in 2016; the Llanelli Market, which was the first Dementia Friendly market in Wales in 2016; Alzheimer’s Society-run services in Pembrokeshire; Dementia Matter in Powys; and Age Cymru Dyfed’s support services.

“We also need to see more support put in place for the tens of thousands of unpaid carers in Wales, including those who care for relatives or friends with dementia.”