SWINDON residents are being encouraged to become Dementia Friends and to better understand the disease which people are more fearful of than cancer.

A host of Dementia Friends sessions are available in the borough as part of national Dementia Awareness Week, which runs until May 21.

Library outreach officers will be giving people an opportunity to find out more at West Swindon Library today at 5pm and at Highworth Library tomorrow at 11am.

The Alzheimer’s Society will also be running two sessions in Wharf Green, in the town centre, on Thursday at 12.15pm and 1.15pm.

Dementia affects people’s moods and motivations, particularly if the disease affects the part of the brain that controls emotions.

Although there is no cure, there is medication and things people can do to reduce the impact and speed of its severity.

Swindon Council leader Coun David Renard said: “Sadly dementia, like cancer, will touch the lives of many of us.

"It’s an incredibly difficult illness to deal with because there are no obvious physical symptoms, yet its overall impact can be absolutely devastating.

"The more we’re all aware of and understand dementia, as individuals, businesses and the whole community, the greater support and empathy we can show to those affected as well as people close to them.”

To book for the session at West Swindon Library, email Dempsie@swindon.gov.uk or for the session at Highworth Library, email ESalik@swindon.gov.uk