Carey Mulligan backs dementia campaign

Hollywood star Carey Mulligan is backing a new dementia campaign from the Alzheimer's Society.

Shame and The Great Gatsby actress Mulligan met prime minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street to discuss the condition as part of a drive to encourage individuals going home for Christmas to look out for signs of the development of the condition.

"This Christmas we want people to tell us about their favourite Christmas memory - it can be funny, sad, silly or serious," said the star, whose grandmother has been diagnosed with dementia.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive at Alzheimer's Society, noted Christmas is an ideal time to be aware of the signs of dementia, as families often come together for the first time in a long while during the festive period.

Mr Cameron added that dementia is currently one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK.

Writing for the BBC, Professor David McAlpine, director of the University College London Ear Institute, recently suggested there is a link between hearing loss and dementia.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.