Scottish Government
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Dementia awareness campaign
More help is on the way to make it easier for people in Dundee to understand dementia, recognise when memory problems are enough to worry about and overcome their fear to seek help.
An awareness raising campaign was launched in Dundee today to signpost people who are worried about significant changes to their memory, to seek help and advice by ringing the dedicated 24 hour dementia helpline.
New research undertaken while developing the campaign found that dementia and Alzheimer's disease are among the most feared conditions within society.
The campaign adverts will feature bright Post-it notes stuck to fridges, with the words 'Worried About Your Memory?', alongside the dementia helpline number - 0808 808 3000.
Public Health Minister Shona Robison said:
"It's vital that people who have early stage dementia know about and get practical help and treatment so that they can live as independently as possible, make their own decisions and enjoy fulfilling relationships.
"Support can include home care, lifestyle advice and access to local support groups, but people need to first be diagnosed and have the confidence to come forward for help.
"We are committed to increasing early diagnosis for dementia and this campaign will help to get the message out to people worried about their memory to seek help now."
Over the next three months, adverts will appear inside buses, bus stops, post offices and newspapers and on pharmacy bags. Leaflets with the helpline number will be posted to homes and GP surgeries. A TV advert will also be screened in GP surgeries.
As well as a listening ear and emotional support, the dementia helpline staff will offer information on treatments, tips on things to do to manage memory problems, how to get help locally, maintaining independence and rights and entitlements.
Kate Fearnley Alzheimer Scotland's Director of Personalisation said:
"Often people don't seek help with memory problems because they assume that nothing can be done, but actually there is help and treatment available.
"Calling our Dementia Helpline can be the first step to ending worry and getting that help. Alzheimer Scotland believes it is vital that people with dementia get a diagnosis and the support they need as early as possible, so this is a really important campaign."
Information leaflets about memory loss and dementia by NHS Health Scotland will be distributed to Dundee residents. They will offer advice on what affects memory, how to help memory, what to do if you think you might have dementia and where to get help.
Health Improvement Programme Manager at NHS Health Scotland Fiona Borrowman said:
"Research tells us that many people in Scotland are worried about their memory and about memory loss. These leaflets aim to reassure anyone concerned about their memory by providing information that is both practical and helpful.
"Health Visitors tell us that these answer the questions they are asked by patients on a regular basis. We know that it has restored confidence in many people who felt they were alone in worrying about this issue."
The Scottish Government pilot campaign about dementia will start in Dundee on March 23, 2009. It will run for 13 weeks.
The Dementia Helpline is run by Alzheimer Scotland. It is a 24 hour helpline available on 0808 808 3000. Information and advice is also available via the website at www.alzscot.org
Research was carried out for the Scottish Government in October 2008. The study used a representative sample of 1,500 Scottish people.
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