Dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of function within the brain. These conditions are often progressive and can be very severe. There are different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common type, affecting 62% of those diagnosed. Vascular dementia affects 17% of those diagnosed, mixed dementia affects 10% of those diagnosed. Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.
There are no definitive records for the first few cases of dementia in the world, but it remains a serious problem. There are currently 48.6 million people living with dementia in the world today, with that number expected to rise with the increasingly ageing population, with 850,000 people in the UK having dementia. Consequently, with these figures in mind it is important that something is done to address what can be a terrifying illness for those affected by it.
To address these concerns, The Alzheimer’s Society was founded in 1979. Since its founding, the society has done everything it can to bring awareness to dementia, and to raise funds so that treatments and help can be found for those who are suffering from it. Through fundraising initiatives such as Memory Walk, raffles, and a whole host of other initiatives, the Alzheimer’s Society aims to bring £150 million into providing the best possible care and services for those affected by dementia.
At present, there is no long-term solution, but the Alzheimer’s Society has as of June, 2017 promised to spend at least £10 million each year on research programmes that can find a cure for dementia, especially Alzheimer’s. Of that £10 million, £5.6 million will be spent developing three ‘Centres of Excellence’ with each centre focusing on key priorities such as improving the quality of live, improving level of support after diagnosis and maintaining independence at home for those diagnosed with dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Society, is a society that is built on good will and intentions, in order to truly achieve their goals, they need support, a contribution through cake sale, or through other fundraising methods such as the Memory Walk, would go a long way toward helping them.
