TV actress supports dementia awareness scheme in Wales

Television actress Ruth Jones believes a new scheme launched in Wales can help reduce the stigma associated with dementia.

The programme, called Dementia Friends, aims to teach people so spot symptoms of the condition and lend support to those it affects.

Some 45,500 people are believed to be living with some form of dementia in Wales, but a survey conducted by the Alzheimer's Society found that just 46 per cent of people in the Principality have an understanding of what the illness is.

Ms Jones' mother-in-law Margaret Peet had the illness and now the Gavin and Stacey star is determined to do all she can to raise awareness.

"I think the more we talk about it, the more that people attend these Dementia Friends sessions, finding out more about it, it does take the stigma out of it," she said.

Symptoms of dementia include difficulties with problem solving and language as well as memory loss.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes