Carmarthen East and Dinefwr politicians have officially become Dementia Friends after signing up and showing their support to Alzheimer's Society Cymru's vision of a dementia-friendly Wales.
Adam Price AM and Jonathan Edwards MP have taken the step towards helping to end the stigma surrounding dementia.
Mr Price said: “I've signed up to show my support for Dementia Friends, and I am encouraging people in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr to do the same too. With a growing number of people living with dementia, it's more important than ever that we all have a better understanding of the condition.”
A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action - anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend.
Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru said: “Dementia doesn’t care who you are; it could affect us all. Someone develops the condition every three minutes, and there’s currently no cure. People with dementia often feel – and are – misunderstood, marginalised and isolated. And that means that they’re less likely to be able to live independently in their own communities.”
“There are 45,000 people living with dementia in Wales. We all have a part to play in improving the lives of people living with dementia. But we need the Welsh Government - and every AM - to play their part in creating a dementia-friendly Wales.
“We are delighted to see Adam and Jonathan uniting with us against dementia by showing their support for Dementia Friends today. Less than half of us think we know enough about dementia. Dementia Friends isn’t about creating experts, it’s about helping people understand a little bit more about living with dementia and how small actions can make a big difference.”
If you are interested in becoming a Dementia Friend or would like to help create more dementia friendly communities, please go to www.dementiafriends.org.uk to find your nearest information session.
Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is here for anyone affected by dementia. The charity provides information and support, to find out more call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122
Unite with Alzheimer’s Society at alzheimers.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here