A UNIQUE event that aims to explore and challenge the facts surrounding dementia has attracted interest from more than 200 healthcare professionals across the region.

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will host the Making Sense of Dementia event, which will take place at the Steam Museum on May 18.

Making Sense of Dementia will see hundreds of clinical minds come together to learn more about the condition which currently affects one in three over 65 year olds.

Speakers from organisations across the south-west, including the University of Bath, Alzheimer’s Support and the Royal Voluntary Service, will be present at the event and use it as an opportunity to share the latest ideas, research and theories with people who care for patients every day.

Dementia is a degenerative condition which impacts everyday brain functions, such as memory, thinking ability, language, understanding and judgement.

Although medication can sometimes be prescribed to help control the side-effects of the condition, there is currently no cure and symptoms will often get worse over time.

As well as discussions around current treatments and preventative measures, the day will also look at the many alternative approaches being taken by patients and their families to help manage their diagnosis.

Guests will hear how music can play a big part in supporting a patient’s long-term memory, while also learning about the benefits of common holistic treatment options such as aromatherapy, massage and other relaxation methods.

Helen Booth, a trainer at GWH’s staff education centre, the Academy said: “This is going to be a fantastic event and one that really cements our position as a trust that’s leading the way in providing the very best care to the most vulnerable patients.

“With people living longer, the number of people being diagnosed with dementia will increase which is why an event like this is so important.

“Having so many like-minded people together under one roof - sharing ideas, challenging what’s gone before and learning about the latest research - is something that doesn’t happen every day.

“The whole team from GWH is incredibly excited to welcome so many of our colleagues to Swindon for what we hope will be a really insightful day for all.”

GWH has a dedicated dementia-friendly ward, complete with non-shiny floors to reduce falls, as well as other discreet adaptations to make hospital stays safer and more comfortable for people with the condition.

The trust also promotes the use of the This is Me passport, which provides hospital staff with important personal information about a patient such as their likes, dislikes and preferred names, and the Forget Me Not flowers which, when placed on a person’s medical notes, immediately highlights their condition to staff.