Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, is encouraging greater awareness of the signs of Dementia as part of Dementia Action Week (16 - 22 May). The MP – who has undergone “Dementia Friends” training along with her staff – met leaders from the Alzheimer’s Society in Alnwick last month, along with local families, to discuss the challenges of supporting a loved one with dementia, and issues surrounding diagnosis.
The focus on Dementia Action Week this year is encouraging the public not to dismiss symptoms, such as memory loss, as part of the normal aging process, when it could be a sign of dementia. The dementia diagnosis rate has fallen in recent years, leading to concerns that many are living with undiagnosed dementia and could be lacking support and guidance.
Diagnosis was one of the issues the MP discussed with local carers when she met them in Alnwick a few weeks ago, along with Dan Simpson of the Alzheimer’s Society.
Anne-Marie said: “I was pleased to be invited to sit down with local carers to learn more about the difficulties they face, and to talk about the importance of Dementia Action Week in raising awareness. I would encourage people who are concerned not to ignore the signs, but to seek the support that is available.
Dan Simpson of the Alzheimer’s Society said:
“‘On behalf of the constituents who met Anne-Marie recently, we want to thank her for listening intently to their stories. Especially ahead of Dementia Action Week, it’s vital that all our MPs know what people affected by dementia face. In particular, with diagnosis rates at a five-year low, tens of thousands of people are now living with undiagnosed dementia. We look forward to working with Anne-Marie to reduce the backlog.
“We are also encouraging those concerned that they or someone close to them may be experiencing signs of dementia to come to us for support. It’s just a is just a phone call or a click away. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss or call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456”
For more information on Dementia Action Week: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/categories/campaigns/dementia-action-week
Photo: Anne-Marie with Dan Simpson of Alzheimer's Society pictured in Alnwick, April 2022.
