Answering questions for World Alzheimer’s Day
Vidett’s chosen charity for the year is the Alzheimer’s Society. So, this World Alzheimer’s Day (21st September) we’re supporting the theme: ‘Ask about Dementia. Ask about Alzheimer’s’ to encourage people to talk about the disease. This will help reduce misunderstandings and the stigma attached to the disease.
With that in mind I have a few questions….
What’s Alzheimer’s disease?
Learn more
It’s a physical illness which damages a person’s brain, starting many years before symptoms begin to show. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in the UK, but it’s only later that symptoms become severe enough to be called ‘dementia’.
Who does it affect?
Learn more
Alzheimer’s disease is most common in people over the age of 65. The risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia increases with age, but inherited genes and lifestyle choices can also contribute to your overall risk. It affects an estimated 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in every 6 people over the age of 80.
However, it should also be noted that around 1 in every 13 people with Alzheimer’s disease are under the age of 65. Young onset dementia (under 65s) affects over 70,800 people in the UK.
Where can I go for more information or help and support?
How can we help?
Educate yourself and others - raising awareness and reducing stigma are key steps in helping yourself and others get support
Volunteer and fundraise for local and national charities.
Be an advocate for change by supporting policies and communities to help make them more dementia friendly.
Take part in dementia research
There is lots we can do so let’s keep talking about Alzheimer’s and as it’s National Inclusion Week, I have a couple more questions relating to inclusion at work:
- What do those with parents who have Alzheimer’s need the most help with whilst at work or to help you continue to be able to work?
- What does your employer do to support you if yourself or a loved one is affected by Alzheimer’s?
What do you want to ask about Alzheimer’s?
This year at Vidett we’ve been fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society, and we want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to those who have joined in our events, supported our activities and for all the donations made to such a crucial charity. We’ve raised over £20k and you can look here How your money helps | Alzheimer’s Society to see how your donations help dementia. If you’d like to see what we’ve done so far, have a watch of our video.
