Russell George, AM for Montgomeryshire, united against dementia by supporting Alzheimer’s Society Cymru during Dementia Awareness Week (14-20 May).
Russell George met with Alzheimer’s Society Cymru representatives in the Senedd on Tuesday 16f May, to raise awareness for those living with dementia.
Mr George also attended two coffee mornings in Welshpool and Newtown (Saturday 13 June) to bring attention to the cause. Russell was delighted to witness the presentation of certificates to businesses in Welshpool who are supporting the Dementia Friendly Communities programme. He believes that everyone living with dementia should receive the dignity and respect they deserve through person-centred, integrated care.
Russell George, AM for Montgomeryshire, said:
“I’m proud to support Alzheimer’s Society Cymru this Dementia Awareness Week. With a growing number of people living with dementia, it's becoming increasingly important that we find a way of working in collaboration to meet the challenge dementia presents.
“The Dementia Friendly Communities programme facilitates the creation of dementia-friendly communities to ensure that people with dementia feel understood, valued and able to contribute to their community. My staff and I are already registered as “Dementia Friends” and it is great to see that Welshpool businesses are embracing this project.
“I’d like to thank the volunteers who support the work in Newtown and Welshpool.
“I believe that the Welsh Government needs to be more ambitious in raising their targets to improve diagnostic services for patients at risk of developing dementia which is why I have consistently called for a National Dementia Plan for Wales which would improve diagnosis rates, improve dementia awareness and look at developing new treatments and the search for a cure. I hope that the Welsh Government will work to make Wales a world leader and the first Dementia Friendly Nation in the World.”
This year’s Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimer’s Society is asking people to unite against dementia, forgetting their differences to help urgently find a cure, improve care, and offer help and understanding.
Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said:
“We’re so pleased that Russell George, AM for Montgomeryshire could support us this week. We are calling on people in Montgomeryshire to take action this Dementia Awareness Week by volunteering, donating or campaigning for change.
“Dementia doesn’t care who you are; it could affect us all. It’s set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes, and so many people are facing it alone.
“People with dementia often feel – and are – misunderstood, marginalised and isolated but with the right support and understanding they can continue to live fulfilling lives and make a contribution to their communities.”