September 2008 

I recently joined supporters of the Alzheimer’s Society on their Memory Walk.  It was the sixth annual walk, starting at St Mary’s Island and heading towards Seaton Sluice before returning to the start.  Those taking part usually walk in memory of loved ones who suffer or suffered dementia and it is moving to see walkers with the names of loved ones pinned to their tops.

We were favoured with a fine warm day, an unusual occurrence this summer and people not only raised the profile of dementia but also vital funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

This year was particularly significant.  Over the past few months the government has been consulting on their National Dementia Strategy.  The strategy deals with a number of areas including diagnosis care at home and in hospital and critically includes support and advice for carers.  A national strategy is necessary not only to raise the standard of care but also to counter claims that care is patchy in different areas.  Over the last ten years the government has brought forward a number of National Strategies for a range of long term conditions and users and experts have invariably welcomed the improvements.

Charities like the Alzheimer’s Society have put forward a range of ideas which will shape the strategy over the next five years.  But they know that the strategy will only work if the funding is there and so this years walk was also an opportunity to highlight the case for proper funding.

Many families – including my own – have been affected by dementia.  Thousands of people in our local community are affected and as people live longer the numbers are likely to rise. Not only is a national strategy timely but it is important that we back up reform with the necessary investment.  Sufferers and carers deserve our support – that’s why I am proud to join the Alzheimer’s Society on their Memory Walk.