Dementia Awareness Week is 18 to 24 May 2014.

If you’re worried that you, or someone close to you, may have dementia, it can be difficult to talk about. You may feel scared, confused or even ashamed. You may also be hoping that the problem will go away so you don’t have to deal with it. We all bury our heads in the sand from time to time. But if you’re seriously concerned, and the problem continues, it’s important to talk to someone about it. The sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the sooner you can get on with your life and feel in control again.

That’s why this Dementia Awareness Week (18-24 May 2014) is all about opening up. We want anyone who’s concerned about dementia to stop bottling it up and to talk to your doctor.

• NHS Choices has a lot of information about Dementia, what it is and how it can affect people.
• In Kent there are local organisations that offer support, advice and guidance if you have dementia or if you care for someone who has dementia. There is also a 24-hour dementia helpline offering emotional support for people with dementia and their carers in Kent and Medway.
• The Alzheimers Society
• Alzheimers and Dementia Support Services
• Age UK
• Dementia Friends

Kent County Council are also running a series of Dementia Friends events in Dementia Awareness Week, follow the link to find out more.