LETTERS

Dementia Action Week strikes a chord in Somerset

Sir, This year’s Dementia Action Week’s theme of diagnosis will have struck a chord with many people. Hopefully more people will now recognise the symptoms of dementia and the importance of seeking a timely diagnosis.

I want to thank everyone in Somerset who got involved, whether it was by publicly sharing their own personal experience of a dementia diagnosis, engaging with events, social media activity or just talking with family and friends.

On the first day of Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society recorded a 70 percent increase in calls to its Dementia Connect support line (0333 150 3456), compared to the same timeframe the previous week.

We know diagnosis rates are at a five-year low due to the pandemic, and tens of thousands of people are living with undiagnosed dementia. In Somerset there are 10,300 people estimated to be living with dementia. Some people are putting off a diagnosis because they think memory loss is a normal part of ageing, they don’t recognise the signs, or are just too afraid.

A new survey by Alzheimer’s Society, found in the South West, 23 percent of people are more likely to visit their GP if they found a lump than if they experienced dementia symptoms.

I would encourage anyone who has concerns for themselves or that of a loved one, to visit Alzheimer’s Society’s website, alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss, where they have a new symptoms checklist that can be printed off, filled in and taken with you to help discussions with a GP.

A diagnosis can be daunting but it’s better to know, and crucial to help people manage symptoms and avoid ending up in crisis. A diagnosis can allow more time to plan for the future and unlock the door to treatment, care and support.

If you’ve been inspired to

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Jubilee Celebratory Party at The Shambles

Sir, Some weeks ago some close friends of my wife and I decided to hold a Jubilee Celebration Party at The Shambles in Castle Cary Town Centre.

We all invited numerous friends to the event requesting that they should bring some 'finger food' and drinks along with them. We, in turn, provided the facilities, a film show featuring the Queen's Coronation, suitable music and a small 'live' performance by yours truly. To say that the event proved to be a tremendous success would be an understatement.

I know that my colleagues –Gabby & Vi Hayes, Christine Davidson, Jenny Martin and my wife, Emma, would wish to join me in expressing our enormous gratitude to all those wonderful friends and neighbours who contributed so generously and in so many ways in order to ensure a happy time was had by all. It would be grossly unfair to name individuals because every participant went to the most exceptional levels of effort, kindness and generosity – leaving it almost impossible to express our appreciation sufficiently. Needless to say many old and new friendships were made and forged and a collective spirit of joyous celebration united us all.

So, may I, again, on behalf of my colleagues and friends say a very big 'Thank You!' to everybody who made the day so very, very special.

A R Middleton Snead Castle Cary

Have your say: August Issue deadline: 18th July