At the start of Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimer Scotland has revealed 60,000 people have made the commitment to becoming Dementia Friends
Tens of thousands of people have made the pledge to help those with dementia.
Alzheimer Scotland is marking Scotland’s Dementia Awareness Week this week by marking a new milestone.
More than 60,000 people have joined the Dementia Friends social action initiative to change perceptions of dementia.
The programme aims to support the 90,000 people in Scotland who have the condition – and the charity is looking for more people to take a stand against dementia.
Dementia Friends aims to transform the way the nation acts, thinks and talks about the condition, as well as challenging the stigma of dementia which still exists for thousands of families living with the illness.
Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted that 60,000 people across Scotland have become Dementia Friends, and have committed to making the small but vital changes that will help people with dementia to feel understood and valued in our communities. This is a crucial step towards building a Dementia Friendly Scotland, where nobody should face dementia alone.
“Dementia is Scotland’s biggest public health issue. We want people to join with us this Dementia Awareness Week and be part of a collective voice calling for the best possible information, support, care and recognition for everyone living with dementia. Together, we can make a real difference.”
The Dementia Friends initiative aims to give people more insight in to the condition and the real challenges people living with dementia face.
It demonstrates the small changes that can often make a big difference to people living with dementia such as adapting how you speak, giving clear information, removing some of the challenges that can cause confusion and changing behaviour – such as simply being patient in a queue.
Ann McKechin is a trustee and executive officer of the ScottishPower Foundation, which is the main supporter of the project.
She said: "As a Dementia Friend myself, I can attest to the quality of the programme and the deeper understanding it gives participants of the effects of dementia and simple ways people can support people with dementia. It's fantastic to see tens of thousands of Scots commit to supporting people living with dementia.”
Geoff Orry (75) from Barrhead, Paisley, who is a member of the Scottish Dementia Working Group, said the project offers support to those with the condition.
"When I was diagnosed with vascular dementia, my first reaction was to be ashamed,” he said. “I didn’t want anyone to know about my diagnosis, and the fact that there was no cure for dementia was devastating. I had so many questions.
“I think it’s wonderful that so many people have taken steps to become Dementia Friends to help break down the stigma of dementia and to help people to live their lives better understood.”
