New social network created for dementia patients

A new social networking site has been created to help people with dementia to find support and share experiences.

DemenShare was started by Cambridge-based firm Opportunity Links, along with three other partners, as a national pilot project, Cambridge News reports.

The site is set out in a similar fashion to popular social networking site Facebook, after Opportunity Links ran a series of trial to see what system worked best to help people with dementia and their carers.

Mark Cheverton, the firm's managing director hopes that a "one-stop" community will be created for those affected by the disease.

He told the publication: "DemenShare harnesses technology often associated with the young and uses it for a completely new audience.

"It gives those affected by dementia the chance to talk to their peers."

Caring for people living with dementia costs the UK economy in excess of £23 billion each year, according to the Alzheimer's Society.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes