Monmouth MP David Davies has pledged to make the forthcoming general election memorable by taking action to support the 850,000 people living with dementia across the UK.
Mr Davies joined over 200 MPs and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 17th March to meet people with dementia and commit to support those affected by the condition.
He also backed the charity’s general election campaign, which is calling for more people to get the dementia diagnosis and help they need.
“We all have a part to play in improving the lives of people living with dementia,” said Mr Davies.
“There are around 1,476 people living with the condition in the Monmouth constituency - and many more who are in regular contact with family and friends affected by dementia.
“It is an issue we cannot afford to ignore.”
Alzheimer’s Society campaigners were in Westminster to urge MPs to make the election memorable for people with dementia, their families and carers. The charity is striving to ensure there is a doubling of spending on dementia research. Communities are also encouraged to become dementia friendly so people with dementia can live full and active lives.
On the day, a petition with 67,375 signatures was delivered to the Prime Minister. The petition calls for everyone diagnosed with dementia to have access to a named dementia adviser or support worker who can help them come to terms with the diagnosis and guide them through the health and social care system.
George McNamara, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer’s Society, added: “Dementia is the biggest health and care challenge our country faces – one that all of society must respond to.
“By the end of the next parliament, more than a million people will be living with dementia. There is unlikely to be a family in the country that is not affected.
“2015 is set to be an important year for politics. But together, let’s also make it an historical year for people with dementia.”
To find out more, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk