Latest news with #DementiaActionWeek
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More than half of North West adults unaware of common dementia symptom
More than half of adults in the North West are unaware of one of the most common symptoms of dementia. As one in three people living with dementia remain undiagnosed, Alzheimer's Society is highlighting the six key symptoms to look out for. This Dementia Action Week (May 19 to 24), Alzheimer's Society is shining a light on the six most common symptoms of dementia and encouraging people to seek help if they spot these signs in themselves or a loved one. More than 106,000 people are living with dementia in the North West of England and a third of them do not have a diagnosis. Yet, new research by the charity reveals that more than half (61 per cent) of UK adults in the region do not know that problems with vision changes can sometimes be a symptom of dementia – and one in 10 could not name a single common symptom of dementia. Dementia can affect vision in different ways, including problems judging distances (such as on stairs), perceiving the edges of objects, or misinterpreting patterns or reflections. It can also make reading large text more difficult, or cause issues with recognising objects. The survey also found that across the UK less than two-thirds of respondents identified that problems with communication (61 per cent) or mood changes (64 per cent) were symptoms of dementia. Corinne Mills, interim CEO of Alzheimer's Society, said: "This Dementia Action Week, we're highlighting the six most common symptoms of dementia and encouraging anyone with concerns to use our free symptom checklist and seek help from their GP or other health professional. "More than a third of people with dementia don't have a diagnosis, meaning they're missing out on the vital care, support, and treatment they need. "But it doesn't have to be this way. "We understand that getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but we believe it's better to know." The six most common symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulty organising thoughts, problems with communication, problems with vision, getting confused about time or place, and changes in mood or personality.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wellington man, 86, to skydive from 15,000 feet for Alzheimer's Society
An 86-year-old man is set to skydive from 15,000 feet to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society. Wellington resident Brian Standring, who lives at Ivy House, the Abbeyfield-run independent living scheme on Corams Lane, will take part in his fourth skydive on Saturday, May 24, during Dementia Action Week. Mr Standring, who is also an avid Nordic walker and participant in Taunton's weekly parkrun, describes the experience of jumping out of a plane as "magic." He said: "It's breathtaking, quite outstanding to see the world from up there. "It's great fun." However, skydiving is not just about the thrill for him; it is an opportunity to raise money for a cause close to his heart. Having cared for a friend and lost other friends to dementia, Mr Standring understands the impact the disease has on sufferers and their families. His friend's diagnosis led him to become a Dementia Friend in 2014, a programme run by the Alzheimer's Society. He said: "Ever since, I've been passionate about trying to do something, whatever it might be, to help people with dementia." In addition to his efforts with the Alzheimer's Society, Mr Standring also helps out at his local church and organises fundraisers at Ivy House. Through his upcoming skydive, he aims to raise £2,000 for the Alzheimer's Society. If you would like to donate to his cause, visit his fundraising page at Alternatively, you can search for his name on the Just Giving homepage and click on the 'Why I am jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft at 15,000 ft?' heading. On the funds raised, Mr Standring said: "It doesn't really matter to me what it's spent on in specific terms. "As long as it ultimately helps someone with dementia, or their carer, or their family, that's why I do it."
Business News Wales
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
New Lord Mayor of Cardiff Takes Office and Announces Chosen Charities
Cllr Adrian Robson has become the 121st Lord Mayor of the City and County of Cardiff. One of Cardiff's longest serving councillors with continuous service since 2004, Cllr Robson has had a lengthy and accomplished career in politics and has been dedicated to representing the ward of Rhiwbina for more than two decades. A keen follower of Formula One racing and an experienced public speaker, he has sat on many committees including the Planning Committee and is the former Chair of the Policy Review and Performance Committee. He has also sat on the School Governors Appointment Panel. His wife, Councillor Jayne Cowan, will serve as his Consort during his term and as Cardiff's current longest serving sitting councillor with continuous service since 1999, shares The Lord Mayor's commitment to their local community and the people of Cardiff, the council said. With a background in public relations, Cllr Cowan sits on the Committees for Governance and Audit, Pensions, Glamorgan Joint Archives and on the Corporate Parenting Panel and has been a Governor at Greenhill Special School for 27 years. The couple, who first met in 2001 and married at Cardiff's Council Chamber in 2003, are the first Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress for more than 40 years to both be serving councillors. The Lord Mayor has nominated two charities to support during his term. The Forget-Me-Not Chorus, which was initially established in Rhiwbina, brings the joy of singing to people living with dementia, and those who support them by organising singing sessions for people with all forms of dementia, as well as the families, friends and professional staff looking after them. The Rescue Hotel is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to supporting the dogs at Cardiff Dogs Home and helps to improve the lives of rescue dogs by providing essential care, funding vital resources, and ensuring they have the best possible chance of finding loving forever homes. Equally impacted by dementia in family members, experienced carers and dog lovers themselves, the Lord and Lady Mayoress have outlined some of their plans over the year ahead which will see fundraising efforts split between the two causes. They include a host of events such as sponsored charity walks, raffles, BBQs, quizzes, a musical concert, coffee mornings, afternoon teas and a gala ball. Speaking at his inauguration, the new Lord Mayor said: 'It is a tremendous honour to be appointed the new Lord Mayor for the City and County of Cardiff and I am looking forward to meeting many Cardiff residents at numerous events throughout the year. 'With the help and support of the Lady Mayoress, I hope that we are able to make a difference for these wonderful charities that are held close to our hearts, by showcasing them and providing them with the recognition that they deserve. 'This week marks Dementia Action Week, making it a fitting time to announce the Forget-Me-Not Chorus as one of my chosen charities for the year. Dementia touches the lives of so many in our communities and we are proud to support an organisation that is making a meaningful difference in building a more Dementia Friendly Cardiff.' Councillor Michael Michael, a Cardiff councillor since 1997, has been re-appointed Deputy Lord Mayor. He initially represented Fairwater and, since 2012, has served the Trowbridge and St Mellons ward. Cllr Michael has worked extensively with local groups to enhance both Trowbridge and St Mellons and has been involved in community projects across the city. Originally from Cyprus, Michael moved to Cardiff in March 1961 and is the first Greek Cypriot to hold the position of Deputy Mayor. He said: 'I am delighted to be reappointed as the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff. I am looking forward to the year ahead and visiting the wonderful communities that make our city such a great place to live.' Cllr Michael's wife Joyce will act as his Consort for the municipal year, which ends in May 2026. Katherine Harri, Director of Development and Communications at the Forget-Me-Not Chorus, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to be one of the Lord Mayor's nominated charities for 2025/26. As an organisation proudly rooted in Cardiff, we're especially honoured by this recognition. The Lord Mayor's generosity and belief in our work will help us continue to bring connection, friendship, and joy through song to people living with dementia, and those who love and care for them. Thank you!' Toria Acreman, Co-founder of The Rescue Hotel, said: 'We are incredibly honoured that the new Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Adrian Robson, has chosen The Rescue Hotel as one of his supported charities for the year. 'As a small, grassroots organisation dedicated to giving vulnerable rescue dogs a second chance, this recognition means the world to us and will make a big difference to our cause. We are excited for the opportunities that this partnership will bring to help raise awareness of our mission and hopefully raise vital funds that will help us to continue supporting the homeless dogs of Cardiff. We are truly grateful for this support and looking forward to the year ahead.'
Glasgow Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
SGN highlights free dementia support for Scottish families
Energy network company SGN is encouraging families and carers of people with dementia to explore the support available to them in honour of Dementia Action Week (May 19-25). Dementia is the UK's biggest killer, with symptoms including memory loss, confusion, and needing help with daily tasks. Read more: Glasgow care home indulges in 'exotic blends' ahead of International Tea Day It can also cause problems with language and understanding, as well as changes in behaviour. With one in three people in the UK living with dementia not having a diagnosis, these symptoms mean that maintaining a safe and warm home can be very difficult. SGN is asking people to consider a host of free-of-charge services designed to help those living with dementia while giving family and carers some peace of mind. These services include signing up to the Priority Service Register (PSR), fitting a locking cooker valve, and seeking support through one of SGN's partnerships. SGN offers a host of free services to help those living with dementia (Image: Supplied) The PSR helps SGN identify customers who need priority support in a gas emergency. By registering for this free service, customers will receive extra help if they are without their gas supply, either in an emergency or because of planned work. SGN can also offer electric heating and cooking appliances or even alternative accommodation to keep customers safe and warm while they are without gas. The locking cooker valve can help people with dementia retain their independence at home and provide reassurance to friends, family, and carers. SGN fits the safety device to the existing gas cooker pipework for free. When the valve is locked, the gas supply to the cooker is stopped. Read more: 'Beyond ridiculous': Landlord worries for tenants ahead of meter switch-off Janet Duggan, SGN's community partnership manager, said: "Dementia Action Week gives us the opportunity to remind people of the varied free services we offer to help support both those living with dementia and their loved ones. "Living with dementia, and caring for someone with dementia, can be extremely tough, and we want to alleviate some of these pressures. "We want to help reach more people and provide them with the help they need to ensure they receive the right support to keep them independent as well as safe and warm in their own homes." More information about the available support can be found on the SGN website.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
West Lothian Specsavers Home Visits team take action to support customers with dementia
The full team has recently become qualified Dementia Friends, after completing a training course to professionally care for the eye health and hear care of customers who have the condition. To coincide with Dementia Action Week, the Specsavers Home Visits team in West Lothian has taken vital steps to support its customers living with dementia. The full team has recently become qualified Dementia Friends, after completing a training course to professionally care for the eye health and hear care of customers who have the condition. The Specsavers Home Visits team provides care to customers who, due to a multitude of reasons, are unable to pay a visit to a high street store to receive eye health and hearing services. Lynne Seebaluck, director at Specsavers Home Visits, said: 'By becoming Dementia Friends, our team feels more confident to ensure any customers living with dementia feel safe and are looked after in a sensitive way. 'We're always keen to go the extra mile and support our local community, especially as we're out visiting those directly in it.' or call 0808 239 4492 to book a home visit.
