AM supports Alzheimer’s Society Cymru during Dementia Awareness Week

JFS

As figures show that Conwy has the highest proportion of people with dementia in Wales, Janet Finch-Saunders AM for Aberconwy has united against the condition this week by supporting Alzheimer’s Society Cymru during Dementia Awareness Week (14-20 May).

 

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, Conwy has the highest % of people living with dementia of all Welsh local authorities, at 1.85%. This is projected to increase to 2.45% by 2021, remaining the highest in Wales.

 

The AM met with representatives of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru on the Senedd Steps in Cardiff Bay to pledge her support.

 

Janet said:

 

“I’m proud to support Alzheimer’s Society Cymru this Dementia Awareness Week. It’s important we all come together to defeat dementia.

 

“Conwy has the highest proportion of people with dementia in Wales, and this trend is forecast to continue to 2021 and beyond, so raising awareness is crucial to helping people understand what it is like to live with dementia, or care for someone affected.”

 

This year’s Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimer’s Society is asking people to unite against dementia, forgetting their differences to help urgently find a cure, improve care, and offer help and understanding.

Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said:

“We’re so pleased that Janet Finch-Saunders AM could support us this week. We are calling on people across Aberconwy to take action this Dementia Awareness Week by volunteering, donating or campaigning for change.

 

“Dementia doesn’t care who you are; it could affect us all. It’s set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes, and so many people are facing it alone.

“People with dementia often feel – and are – misunderstood, marginalised and isolated but with the right support and understanding they can continue to live fulfilling lives and make a contribution to their communities.”

 

45,000 people are living with dementia in Wales. Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is here for anyone affected by dementia. The charity provides information and support, to find out more call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122

 

Unite with Alzheimer’s Society at www.alzheimers.org.uk

ENDS

Notes:

The full figures for people affected by dementia, by local authority, in Wales, via Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, are available at: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/downloads/file/7/local_dementia_uk_statistics_wales)

Notes from Alzheimer’s Society Cymru:

  • There are currently 45,000 people living with dementia in Wales, half have yet to receive a formal diagnosis.
  • It is estimated that by 2055 there will be over 100,000 people living with dementia in Wales. (King’s College, London)
  • Dementia costs Welsh society £1.4 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.
  • Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. This will soar to two million by 2051.
  • Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that’s one every three minutes.
  • Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia. 
  • Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and has committed to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade. This includes a £50 million investment in the UK's first dedicated Dementia Research Institute.
  • Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer's Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
  • Let's take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia. 
  • Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.  
  • Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk  
  • Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AlzSocCymru
  • Like us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/AlzheimersSocietyCymru
  • Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety

Photo:

  • Janet Finch-Saunders AM supporting Alzheimer’s Society Cymru at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay