Alzheimer's Society: Dame Barbara speaking out raises charity donations by a third
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer Society, said: “The impact of Dame Barbara Windsor and her husband Scott speaking out about her dementia diagnosis has been instant and impressive.
“Barbara is a much loved figure, who is lodged in the popular imagination. By sharing her experiences she is already encouraging others to seek the help and information they need. One day after her announcement, visits to our website have doubled, with the majority of people looking to find out more about dementia, and our online donations have risen by nearly a third (30%). People across the country are clearly wanting to support the care we provide today as well as our pioneering research to develop treatments and a cure. Thank you all.
“There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. Too many of them face dementia in silence and isolation. People regularly tell us how they lose friends and do not feel able to be a part of their communities. Barbara’s experiences, and the fact she has galvanised so many people to talk about the condition, shine a light on what we can all do to unite and take action to help people with dementia. Simple actions, such as including people with dementia in conversations, and asking them if they need help if they seem confused, make a huge difference. Scott’s insistence that people accept Barbara and her dementia to enable her to continue living her life is a powerful one - and one we absolutely endorse. We all have a responsibility to make sure their right to contribute to society is upheld - so they can live the lives they want and deserve.”
21st-27th May is Dementia Action Week. Get involved and unite against dementia, visit alzheimers.org.uk/DAW or donate online at Alzheimers.org.uk/donate
