Following landmark Government funding announced for dementia research, MP for Penrith and The Border, Dr Neil Hudson has committed his Office to becoming dementia friendly.
As people are living longer the number of people with dementia is increasing and the NHS estimates that by 2025, there will be more than 1 million people with dementia in the UK. In Cumbria itself there are an estimated 8,790 people living with dementia, which is set to reach 11,650 by 2030.
As such, Dr Hudson understands the importance of fostering a compassionate and understanding society with the tools to better support those living with the syndrome.
Therefore, all of Dr Hudson’s staff are either certified Dementia Friends or in the process of gaining the accolade. Run by the Alzheimer’s Society, this involves participating in information sessions to transform her we think, act and talk about dementia.
Dementia is an umbrella term referring to a condition caused by different diseases of the brain, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Each disease can affect people differently, but symptoms often include memory loss, problems with understanding, as well as changes in mood, judgement, movement and mental sharpness.
The Government has been ambitious in its commitments on dementia for instance:
- This year the Health Secretary announced a 10-year plan to tackle dementia
- Passed the Health and Care Act (2022) reforming social care and giving those with dementia more sway over their own care
- Made good on the 2019 Conservative manifesto by doubling spending on dementia research each year for the next decade to find new treatments.
Locally Dr Hudson has also lent his support to the Eden Valley Friends of Dementia UK, who have been fundraising for a specialised Admiral Nurse - attending the group's art fair near Penrith and maintaining contact with the wonderful and tireless campaigners.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“As the number of people with dementia continues to increase, it’s more important now than ever that we as a society understand, respect, and support those in our community with dementia.
“I’m really proud of the enthusiasm my staff have approached their Dementia Friends sessions and know it will go a long way to better cater for the specific needs of those with dementia who contact my office.
“With that said, this is only the start of our dementia journey, and there is a lot more we can learn.
“On the national level, this is the first Government to commit to tackling dementia in the long term by providing better care for those with dementia and massively increase dementia research spending. This kind of landmark investment will be pivotal to making sure our future is dementia friendly.”
Dan Simpson, Public Affairs Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“It was great to deliver a Dementia Friends information session to Dr Neil Hudson’s team. It’s so important that they understand dementia, so that Dr Hudson can better represent people living with dementia in Penrith and The Border and help them with any issues they face.
"We look forward to working further with Dr Hudson so that together we can create a more dementia-friendly world where people affected by dementia live more fulfilled and less fearful lives, free from stigma and inequality. If you’d like to learn more and become a Dementia Friend visit dementiafriends.org.uk”
