Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has pledged to take action to support the 800,000 people living with dementia across the UK.
He recently joined 200 other MPs and representatives from Alzheimer’s Society in Portcullis House, Westminster to provide a handwritten statement of the action they will take to support people with dementia and their carers.
Mr Mundell pledged to help make his constituency dementia friendly and tackle the stigma attached to dementia and raise awareness in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale.
He said: “One in three people over 65 will develop dementia, and it is a health issue that we can no longer afford to ignore, and unfortunately most people don’t know enough about dementia.
Mr Mundell recently visited a Dementia Resource Centre supported by Alzheimer Scotland, an organisation which aims to helps people with dementia, their carers and families.
“I visited the centre to find out more about the work they do, and highlight the serious effects of dementia on sufferers and their families across this region,” he explained.
Mr Mundell was extremely impressed with the range of services on offer and the expertise of local staff and their commitment to helping improve and maintain people’s quality of life. Representing an area with a large aging population he was also keen to find out what more can be done to support those with dementia and ensure that early action is taken as medical evidence suggest this can make a big difference to future treatment and development.
Following his visit the local MP said: “All the evidence suggests that early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference to those who are suffering from dementia. I would urge anyone who feels they or a family member or friend may be suffering alone to contact their GP because there are simple tests and exercises which can be done to identify whether or not you are suffering from the condition.”
He added: “My visit showed there is no need to suffer alone but it also highlights that more needs to be done to support and highlight the work organisations such as this are doing.”
“Increased awareness about dementia can give people an understanding of the small things they can do that can make a difference to people living with dementia - from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia-friendly communities.”
For more information and advice please visit the Alzheimer Scotland website at www.alzscot.org and to find out more about Dementia Friends, visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk