Government launches campaign to target early dementia

A government campaign to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of dementia is being launched today, following research claiming that six out of ten people with dementia in England go undiagnosed.

The £2 million campaign was successfully piloted in the north-west and Yorkshire and the Humber, and will feature TV, radio and print ads to help families recognise the signs of dementia.

Care services minister Paul Burstow stated: "People are afraid of dementia and rather than face the possibility someone we love has the condition, we can wrongly put memory problems down to senior moments."

With many people seeing relatives at Christmas, the timing of the campaign is particularly poignant, according to the government.

Recognising dementia early is important to control and slow down the condition.

However, symptoms will reveal themselves differently in each patient. Someone's personality, general health and social situation will greatly affect how they show signs of dementia and how the condition will impact upon them.

Find out about dementia care and support services at Barchester care homes.