September marks World Alzheimer’s Month and an opportunity for us all to educate ourselves on Dementia and how we can improve the lives of those living with Dementia and for their loved ones caring for them. 1 in 3 people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime – it has never been more important to educate ourselves on Dementia.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a group of symptoms and is caused by diseases which damage the brain. It is not a normal part of the ageing process or just about being forgetful. Symptoms include memory loss but also include changes in behaviour, confusion and needing help physically with daily tasks.
A report commissioned in 2024 by the Alzheimer’s Society highlighted that there is around 1 million people living in the UK with some form of Dementia. There are over 70,000 people living with young on-set Dementia which is where symptoms develop before the age of 65.
Research into Dementia
There is currently no cure for any type of Dementia but it is hoped that there will soon be a tipping point in Dementia research – there are currently 127 drugs in 164 clinical trails for Alzheimer’s disease. The possible outcomes of this could look like blood tests to detect Alzheimer’s disease and new drugs to slow down early stage Alzheimer’s disease.
This research can only progress with the appropriate funding and sadly dementia research has been underfunded for years. The Alzheimer’s Society estimate that just 31p is spent on dementia research for every £1 spent on cancer research.
What can we do?
Gardner Leader are working with the Alzheimer’s Society to help educate our wider business community on how to support those living with Dementia in a professional setting. We are inviting our professional connections to join us on Tuesday 22 October to attend a Dementia Friends training session hosted by the Alzheimer’s Society at our Newbury office and an opportunity to connect and reflect on ways in which we can all make our businesses more Dementia friendly.
Hannah Wallbridge, a Senior Associate at Gardner Leader, is championing the event. “It is so important for us all to learn more about Dementia and ways in which we can assist those living with Dementia, many of whom are present or future clients. I am a member of the Dementia Friendly West Berkshire steering group and our focus has been to help educate the wider community as to how we can better the lives of those living with Dementia. I am really looking forward to this event to connect with like minded individuals who are also committed to improving the lives of those living with and caring for those with Dementia”.
If you would like to hear more about our event click here.