New campaign to highlight a better public approach to dementia

According to a recent MORI poll, 32 per cent of people in the UK are uncomfortable around people with dementia, with the results announced by care services minister Phil Hope at the launch of a new NHS dementia awareness campaign.

The Living Well campaign works with real people who have dementia who are willing to declare: "I have dementia - I also have a life".

It is hoped that this strategy will educate the public about the neurological condition and show how others can do simple things to help those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease to live in a comfortable environment, working with the Alzheimer's Society to deliver the message.

Phil Hope reasoned: "Dementia doesn't discriminate and neither should we. Our research shows that too often people fear dementia and this causes them to avoid people with the condition, making them feel isolated and stigmatised."

Recent research by the Alzheimer's Research Trust concluded that around 820,000 people in the UK have the disease.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.