Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that causes loss of memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities. It is the leading cause of death in women and the seventh leading cause of death in men. There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are treatments that can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
In the UK, there are currently around 900,000 people living with dementia. This number is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. Dementia is a devastating condition, not only for those who have it, but also for their families and friends.
Dementia UK is the leading charity in the UK that provides support and advice to people living with dementia and their carers. Dementia UK also fund research into dementia and advocate for better care and support. On this World Alzheimer’s Day, Dementia UK are calling on the government to do more to tackle dementia. We need to invest in more research, improve access to early diagnosis and treatment, and provide better support for people living with dementia and their carers. Dementia is a major challenge for our society, but it is one that we can overcome. By working together, we can create a world where everyone with dementia can live well.
The government can do a number of things to tackle dementia, including more investment into research, improve access to early diagnosis and treatment, provide better support, and reduce the stigma associated with dementia. We can support Dementia UK and other dementia charities, raise awareness of the condition, and challenge stigma. We can also make lifestyle changes that can help to reduce our risk of developing dementia, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying mentally active.
Together, we can make a difference for people living with dementia and their families.