MP BACKS DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK
Andrew Stunell MP backs Dementia Awareness Week, 19th-25th May 2013, in support of Alzheimer's Society's campaign to raise awareness of the life-changing condition.
In 2011/12 only half of people who had dementia in our local area were diagnosed. Across Stockport more than 2,000 people have dementia but haven't been diagnosed and are not getting the help they need.
Commenting, Andrew Stunell MP said -
"Over 2000 people and their carers are suffering in silence in Stockport and the numbers are rising each year. We need to raise awareness and improve the way we diagnose, treat and care for people with dementia in Stockport."
Mr Stunell has already persuaded the Council to make use of the Alzheimer's Society's booklet - 'Your handy guide to selecting a care home' and the 'This is Me' tool.
"Stockport is definitely getting its act together, but there is a lot more to be done."
There are 670,000 people in England living with the condition, and this number is set to double over the next 30 years. Dementia costs society an estimated £19 billion a year, more than the costs of cancer, heart disease or stroke.
In November last year, the Alzheimer's Society announced an ambitious new programme to educate one million people across the country to become Dementia Friends by 2015. This is being jointly funded by the Department for Health and the Cabinet Office.
If anyone has any queries about dementia whether it's curiosity, or that you think a friend or family member may be showing early signs of dementia, the Alzheimer's Society have a dedicated helpline that you can call - 0300 222 1122.