Conference delegates play their part in the fight against dementia
A panel of experts gathered at a Labour conference fringe event last Tuesday to discuss how to transform the landscape of dementia care.
There was standing room only at fringe event aiming to educate delegates on the small things they can do to help those living with dementia.
There is not yet a cure for dementia, but there is a lot we can do to help people to live well with the condition.
This was the core theme of the event on Tuesday morning with the Alzheimer’s society.
Jeremy Hughes, the Society's Chief Executive, set the scene at the event: "The thing about dementia is it affects everyone. Everyone knows someone, a neighbour or a friend who is affected by it. And we are not going to be able to tackle dementia just through the NHS."
Mr Hughes talked about the role of social action in the fight against dementia, adding that thanks to the Dementia Friends programme, people are now more willing to talk and engage with dementia.
Holly Lynch MP, who is a Dementia Friends Champion, hosted the interactive event aimed to educate delegates and encourage action, big or small, in the community. The former Shadow Health Secretary Heidi Alexander also spoke at the event.
She said: "Dementia Friends information sessions want to equip you with the tools to understand what is happening to your loved ones.”
Ms Alexander said she wished she had known about dementia friends before her grandmother had died, hailing the scheme as a "practical initiative'.
Cllr Peter John set the scene locally, and talked about his own experience of looking after his mum.
He and Jack Coutts, a local dementia campaigner, touched on the challenges facing the health and social care system, but spoke optimistically about the role we can play as individuals in society.
Although the issues of funding and research were discussed, the key takeaway point was made by Ms Lynch:“There is more to a person than their dementia. Ultimately, it could affect any and all of us, and we all have a role to play."
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At Conservative conference? Join Alzheimer's society and Damian Hinds MP and become a Dementia Friend
Alzheimer's Society: How to make 1.5m Friends in 45 min
9.00-10.15
Birmingham ICC: Hall 10b
Speakers: Damain Hinds MP, Dementia Friends Champion; Vivienne Francis, Director of Marketing and External Affairs, Alzheimer’s Society; Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader, Warwickshire County Council; Ken Howard, Local dementia campaigner;
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