Cloonavin lights up blue for Dementia Action Week

The Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging those who are concerned that they or a someone close to them may be experiencing signs of dementia to use their online symptom checker, which is accredited by Royal College of GPs.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Age Friendly Officer, Liam Hinphey has recently re-established a Dementia Working Group, bringing together a number of organisations and agencies to explore how we can work collectively to support those living with and those caring for someone with dementia.

Mayor of Causeway Coats and Glens, Councillor Ivor Wallace said: “Through Dementia Action Week, we want to raise awareness of dementia and to encourage those who might be living with undiagnosed dementia to understand and recognise potential symptoms, seek guidance and support, and feel empowered to take their next step.”

Aoife McMaster from Causeway Alzheimer’s Society said: “The theme of this year’s Dementia Action Week is diagnosis. We chose the theme of diagnosis this year as there has been a sustained drop in dementia diagnosis rates. Our research found that misconceptions around memory loss, being in denial, and specialist referral times are the biggest barriers to getting people to seek a diagnosis.”

Anyone worried about themselves, or someone close to them, can check symptoms now at www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms-checklist

Support and more information about a diagnosis is just a phone call or click away. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss or call 0333 150 3456. The local Dementia Advisor can also be contacted at [email protected] or 028 7035 8887.