Changing perceptions of dementia
Britain has launched what has been described as the largest ever project aimed at changing the way people think about dementia. The ‘Dementia Friends’ scheme, launched last week, was designed in hopes to sign up one million people by 2015.
Britain has launched what has been described as the largest ever project aimed at changing the way people think about dementia.
The ‘Dementia Friends’ scheme, launched last week, was designed in hopes to sign up one million people by 2015, all of whom will attend free awareness sessions to improve their understanding of dementia and help them to make people with the condition feel included in the community.
The Alzheimer’s Society, which is leading the initiative, plans to roll it out to the rest of the UK in the near future.
Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, claims general awareness about dementia is ‘shockingly low’.
“Through the Dementia Friends project we will for the first time make sure a million people know how to spot those tell-tale signs and provide support,” Prime Minister Cameron says.
While he admits there is “still a long way to go” in fighting the disease, he hopes the scheme will improve the lives of millions.
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, admits the project is a ‘huge ambition’, but adds dementia is “everyone’s problem and we all need to be part of the solution”.
Do you think the Australian government is doing enough to meet the needs of those living with dementia and their carers? For more information, view the Dementia Friends website.
