Dementia Roadshow Tour Visits St George’s Hospital To Provide Lifeline To Local Families

A pioneering Dementia Community Roadshow will be visiting St George’s Hospital in Wandsworth on 16 September 2013, as it aims to increase local awareness and understanding of the condition. There are currently estimated to be over 2,000 people diagnosed with dementia in Wandsworth, and this number is rising. The Alzheimer’s Society’s Roadshow offers free information and advice to anyone with queries about the condition, as well as helping to promote the benefits of an early diagnosis.

During its current tour of London, the vehicle, funded by Tesco, will be at St George’s on Monday 16 September 2013 between 10am and 4pm, before travelling on to the Tesco’s superstore on West Cromwell Road in Kensington. People who are currently living with dementia, are worried about a friend or relative’s memory, or just have questions about the condition, are encouraged to drop by with no appointment necessary.

The Roadshow has already made a big difference to local lives, reaching 5,433 people in London so far. Katie Antill, Alzheimer’s Society Support Services Manager, was onboard the vehicle during its last visit. Katie said: “One man, who stumbled upon us when he was doing his weekly shop, spoke to me about the struggle he was encountering with his wife at home. He told me that he had prayed for help the night before, and that talking to us made him feel as though his prayers had been answered. We were incredibly touched by what he said, as it showed us what a positive impact the Roadshow can have.”

Kate Moore, Alzheimer’s Society East Region Operations Director said:

“The Dementia Community Roadshow helps us to reach out to local communities and people who may not know where to turn for help. Getting a diagnosis is the first step in unlocking the support and potential treatments that are available. Receiving an early diagnosis enables people to get access to support when they need it and gives them the opportunity to plan for the future. We’re here to provide people with information about where to get help and encourage those with concerns about their memory to visit their GP.”

Michael Kissman, Community Director at Tesco said: “With stores all over London, we’re extremely proud to help Alzheimer’s Society raise awareness of dementia. The Roadshow is part of the legacy from our Charity of the Year partnership with the society and we hope that it contributes to building a better future for people with dementia.”

People can find out when the Dementia Community Roadshow will be visiting their local area by visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk/roadshow.

Together, Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland were Tesco Charity of the Year 2011. The partnership has raised over £7.5million to help people live better with dementia, providing funding for the Dementia Community Roadshow, local dementia support professionals and new research.

Dementia and diagnosis rates for the South East can be found via the Dementia Prevalence Calculator: http://www.dementiaprevalencecalculator.org.uk/calculator/organisations.html

The Roadshow is visiting the following locations in London:
St Georges Hospital, Blackshaw Road, Tooting SW17 0QT, Mon 16 Sept., 10am – 4pm.
Kensington Tesco Superstore, West Cromwell Road on Thurs. 19 Sept., 10am – 4pm.
Bromley by Bow Tesco on Weds 9 and Thurs 10 October, Sept., 10am – 4pm.
Barking Tesco Superstore, Highbridge Road, Barking IG11 7BS on Monday 14 October, between 10am and 4pm.
Brent Cross Tesco, Hendon Way on Tuesday 15 October, between 10am and 4pm.
Gurdwara London Sikh Centre on Friday 18 October, between 10am and 4pm.

Further information, interviews and images, please contact:
Andrea Owen 020 8877 0033 andrea.owen@alzheimers.org.uk

Notes to Editors
The Dementia Community Roadshow will see three purpose built vehicles travelling around the UK for three years. It is aiming to reach parts of the country where access to advice and support is limited
The Dementia Community Roadshow aims to reach 100,000 people over three years and will visit Tesco car parks and other venues across the UK. The Roadshow will help raise awareness, provide vital information and advice on dementia, direct people to essential, local services and help bring people concerned about their memory one step closer to achieving a diagnosis.
The Dementia Community Roadshow is part of the legacy from Tesco Charity of the Year 2011/12
The Dementia Community Roadshow will be visiting areas that are taking steps in becoming Dementia Friendly Communities. This will allow those living with dementia to be more inclusive within their community and to remain independent with choice and control over their lives.

Alzheimer’s Society – Alzheimer’s Society is the leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Alzheimer’s Society provides information, education and support to help people live their lives to the full. Alzheimer’s Society also funds research to improve the lives of people today and to find a cure for tomorrow www.alzheimers.org.uk