Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have decided to run the Great Birmingham Run to unite and run for a world without dementia. My aim is to run the race in under 2 hours. 

The reason for this is that a little over 18 months ago my dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia at the young age of 62, it came out of the blue and completely turned his life upside down, after many ups and downs he seems to be happy and we see glimpses of his old self. 

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia (after Alzheimer's disease), affecting around 150,000 people in the UK.

The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. In vascular dementia, these symptoms occur when the brain is damaged because of problems with the supply of blood to the brain. This page outlines the causes, types and symptoms of vascular dementia. It looks at how it is diagnosed and the factors that can put someone at risk of developing it. It also describes the treatment and support that are available.

Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted in their community. For instance, £100 could fund one of our National Dementia Helpline advisors to provide 7 hours of emotional support, personal advice and vital information to people affected by dementia. 

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