I am taking part in the Memory Walk on 19th September with my family for my Mum, Lucy, who has dementia.

Like many others, we realised there was an issue quite a while before my Mum was diagnosed with dementia.  Seeing the impact dementia has had on my Mum and also the family is heartbreaking.  It changes relationships, leaves people socially isolated and can affect the health and finances of family carers.  All too often, family carers sacrifice their own well being to ensure their loved one has the best care possible.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain. There are over 200 subtypes of dementia, but the five most common are: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies,
frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia. Some people may have a combination of different types of dementia and these are commonly called mixed dementia.

Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.  The Alzheimer’s Society (2014) reports there are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today.  Of these, approximately, 42,000 are people with young onset dementia, which affects people under the age of 65. As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia. It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over one million. Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are
thought to still be undiagnosed. 

Every three minutes someone in the UK develops dementia. That's the equivalent of around 225,000 people every year. 

Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK charity that campaigns for change, funds research to find a cure and supports people living with dementia today.

If I can help raise awareness and much needed funds for Alzheimer's Society to support research and more support for families living with dementia it would be amazing.

Thank you very much in advance for every donation, it is greatly appreciated.