A SERIES of talks will be staged this week to help spread awareness of dementia in Swindon.

Organisations across the town have joined forces to run a programme of activities and information talks for Dementia Action Week, which starts today.

Swindon Dementia Action Alliance will launch the programme with a discussion on “Creating a dementia friendly Swindon at 10.30am today.

Experts from the Great Western Hospital are due to part.

Consultant geriatrician Dr Sarah White said: “It is common knowledge that we have a rapidly ageing population, but the risk of dementia increases with age with one in six over the age of 80 having a diagnosis of dementia.

“At Great Western Hospital, approximately three to five per cent of all patients discharged each month have a diagnosis of dementia. This equates to about 150-200 patients per month.

 “That is why this national awareness week is so important, and I would encourage everybody to attend the health talks as we should all do our bit to support those living with dementia.

“At GWH there is lots of good work happening to support our patients, including the introduction of new technology and equipment to help stimulation and memory, patient passports to better understand the needs of those with dementia and other cognitive conditions.

“And a dementia appeal lead by Brighter Futures is raising funds so we can further improve the experience of our patients when spending time in hospital.”

Domino’s Pizza has offered to support the appeal appeal by giving bidders the chance to win their height in pizza during the charity’s silent auction.

The online auction was launched in March and will end on May 23 at 11pm.

The dementia appeal, which began last year, will support the hospital to improve and enhance services to make sure any time spent in hospital by patients with dementia is as comfortable as possible and gives patients the best chance of returning home feeling fit and healthy.

Brighter Futures donor development manager Adam Wainwright, said: “We rely on the generosity of the local community, including the fantastic business community and are incredibly grateful to the team at Domino’s for offering such a creative prize; which will be sure to cause a stir. 

 “Based on the height of the winning bidder - the value of this prize is considerable and we expect it to raise lots of money.  We are delighted that with only a couple of weeks left until the auction closes, this prize will help to boost our final auction total for the dementia appeal.” 

For further information about the appeal visit: https://brighterfutures.enthuse.com/ and visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/swindon-dementia-action-alliance-33162573343 to join the talks.