A NATIONAL charity is hoping to shine a spotlight on the hidden impact of the Covid pandemic on people living with dementia during an awareness week.
Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Awareness Week starts today (Monday, May 31) and the theme for this year’s event is ‘Hidden voices, hidden impact, hidden cost’, reflecting on the devastating impact, and true experience, of coronavirus on the dementia community.
An estimated 90,000 people are thought to be living with the condition in Scotland - and people in Helensburgh in Lomond are being encouraged to get involved in the dementia discussion this week.
Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland chief executive, said: “People with dementia and their families have been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the subsequent measures put in place to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“Almost every component of what could, and should, be a good system of personalised care and support for people with dementia and their families has been shattered.
“For well over a year, with the exception of residential forms of care, almost all direct community support has been delivered exclusively by families themselves.
READ MORE: Alzheimer Scotland launches online resource centre as dementia charity turns 40
“This Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimer Scotland pledges to ensure the hidden impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people with dementia, and their families and carers, is brought to the forefront and will work towards ensuring every person, in every area of Scotland, receives the highest level of care and support.”
As the organisation celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, Alzheimer Scotland launched a new online platform for patients and carers to help them through the pandemic, with dementia resource centres including the one in West Princes Street remaining closed as a result of lockdown restrictions.
Anne-Marie King, dementia advisor for Argyll and Bute, based in Helensburgh, said: “Throughout this challenging time the Alzheimer Scotland team in Argyll and Bute have continued to offer a range of services to support people who are living with dementia.
“If you, or someone you know, needs help or advice, then please get in touch.”
To support Dementia Awareness Week, online or in person, you can follow the conversation on social media using #DementiaAwareness and reach out to people living with dementia and their carers.
For more information on local events email Anne-Marie at aking@alzscot.org, phone 07588 531288 or call the 24-hour dementia helpline on 0808 8083000.
Marri Welsh, head of communications and campaigns for the charity, added: “Everyone can make a difference, no matter how much or how little time you can spare.
“From committing to learning a little bit more about dementia, to sharing your own lived experience, every action counts.”
More details can be found online at alzscot.org.
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