Campaign launched in Bristol to tackle dementia stigma

Bristol councils, PCTs, the South West SHA and the Alzheimer’s Society have joined forces to dispel the taboos surrounding dementia and to work to improve dementia services in the south west of England. It is estimated that around 6,000 people in Bristol suffer from dementia and this figure is expected to increase by 33% over the next 20 years. However, at present only a third of sufferers are ever officially diagnosed and many others are unaware what support services are available and how to contact them. Key to the campaign is the local implementation of the National Dementia Strategy, which was launched earlier in 2009. The Strategy focuses on raising awareness of dementia and related issues, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment and improving the standards of care provided to patients. One initiative that has already been launched in Bristol is the provision of a dementia support officer that GPs in the area can call on for specialist advice and help with patients. You can find out more about the campaign at the Bristol Evening Post website.