This week (May 21 – 27) it’s Dementia Action Week.
Previously known as Dementia Awareness Week, Dementia Action Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, which wants everyone to take action to improve the everyday lives of people affected by dementia.
Dementia is now a common condition in the UK, with 850,000 people here affected by it according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Dementia doesn’t just affect elderly people
Surprisingly to many, dementia doesn’t only affect elderly people: 40,000 people in the UK under the age of 65 affected by early onset dementia.
And these numbers are set to rise as it’s estimated that by 2051 the number of people in the UK who will have dementia is set to reach two million, which will reflect the growing size of our ageing population.
Raising awareness of issues around dementia is crucial but more action is needed to create the change in communities that people with dementia need.
Take actions
That’s why everyone is being asked to take both small and big actions during Dementia Action Week to help make everyday life better for those with dementia.
If you want to do something for Dementia Action Week to make a difference there’s lots of great ideas on the Alzheimer’s Society’s website.
For example, everyone is being encouraged to take small actions like: talk to people who have dementia; make time to listen to people who have dementia; ask questions and learn about dementia; and ask if someone needs help if they look confused.
UK-wide events
Or if you want to get together with other people there are events to mark Dementia Action Week across the UK.
And if you want to join in the conversation around Dementia Action Week on Twitter just search for, and use, the hashtag #DAW2018.
Ultimately, dementia can be a lonely and frightening experience for those who have been diagnosed and their families.
At Recite Me our mission is to help support people with disabilities and other conditions like dementia through our web accessibility software.
So we are very pleased to be able to talk to you about Dementia Action Week and we hope this blog will help inspire you to take actions to help people with dementia and their families.
100’s of organisations already use Recite Me to make their websites more accessible to older people and people with disabilities – book your free demo now or call on 0191 4328092 to find out more.
