People living with dementia missing out on vital support in the UK

At Alzheimer's Society we are encouraging people living with dementia in the UK to reach out for support, after a new survey found 88% of people affected by the condition have not sought help from a charity.

Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK and thousands of people are facing the realities alone, without access to vital support.

We provide help and advice for anyone affected by dementia through our support line, online and print information, expert dementia advisers and online community. 94% of people who used our services said they received useful information and 95% said their Dementia Adviser understood their needs, while 83% felt more capable of managing and felt less isolated.

Memory Walks to fund dementia support
 

To help fund our dementia support services and research, we are hosting 26 Memory Walks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and encouraging people to register to take part.

Kate Lee, Chief Executive Officer for Alzheimer’s Society said:

“No one should face dementia alone. Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia through our support services which people tell us are a lifeline. 

From a listening ear on the phone to a visit in person and opportunities to connect with others, we'll be there for you again and again and again, no matter what.

“One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime which is why we need to turn the tide this devastating condition. 

"Memory Walk is such a special event in our calendar, bringing thousands of people together to walk in memory or in celebration of loved ones. 

"Every pound raised will make a huge difference to the lives of people living with dementia, funding vital support and groundbreaking research. Join us and sign up to Memory Walk today.”

A lifeline for people with dementia and their carers

BAFTA award-winning actor and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, Vicky McClure MBE, is looking forward to taking part in this year’s Nottingham Memory Walk. It will be the star’s 13th Memory Walk. 

Vicky said: “I walk in memory of my greatly missed Nana, Iris, who we lost to dementia in 2015 and also in support of the wonderful singers  and carers of Our Dementia Choir past and present, who are a source of constant joy and inspiration.

I always look forward to Memory Walk as the atmosphere is like nothing else. There is so much love in the air and you can’t help but feel lifted up by it. 

“Memory Walk is so worth doing – it’s about raising money for Alzheimer’s Society’s services that are such a lifeline for people living with dementia and their carers, and for research that will, one day, hopefully bring an end to this devastating illness. 

"But it’s also about raising awareness and stamping out any stigma around this disease, which affects a million people in the UK. 

"And of course, you’ll have a great day! You’ll laugh and you’ll cry a little and you’ll feel totally validated and included – it’s just brilliant!”