This week is Dementia Awareness Week 2021. This is a national event which calls for people across the UK to take action to improve the lives of those affected by dementia.
There are about 1,200 people with dementia in the Guernsey Bailiwick.
Dementia is not a single disease; it is an umbrella term used to describe a group of diseases that affect the brain and which cause a decline in memory, reasoning, planning and language. It should not be confused as a normal part of ageing. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, the next most common is vascular dementia.
One in three of us born in the UK today will go onto develop dementia in our lifetime. There will be one million people living with dementia by 2025. By raising awareness about dementia, it is hoped more people will be diagnosed earlier, giving more time for them to come to terms with future symptoms.
To mark this national event, Gill Evans, States of Guernsey Disability Officer, has arranged a series of short films for social media to highlight the benefit of the arts for those with dementia.
Gill said: “We know that, amongst other things, artwork on long-stay wards, memory boxes and music can all help make the lives of those living with dementia easier. It can make the environment less intimidating and calming for both patients, visitors and staff.”
The first of the short films was released on Monday, with the remainder posted this week on the States of Guernsey social media channels.
