County music legend, Glen Campbell, gives his support for Somerset’s early dementia campaign
Published 4 November 2011
Country music singer and legend, Glen Campbell, expressed his support last night for a new public awareness campaign in Somerset.
The campaign aims to alert people in Somerset of the symptoms that come with the early onset of dementia.
The 75-year old artist, who has sold over 45 million albums and achieved 81 top ten hits with songs like "By The Time I Get To Phoenix", has made no secret of the fact that he has Alzheimer's disease and is currently on the UK leg of his last world tour.
Steve Haigh of Alzheimer's Society in Somerset was privileged enough to meet the singer backstage after his sell-out 'Goodbye Tour' concert at Plymouth Pavilions last night (Tuesday 1 November 2011).
Steve said
'It was so thrilling to meet Glen Campbell after such an amazing concert.
'He expressed his interest in the work of Alzheimer's Society and hoped our Somerset campaign would be successful in helping more people come forward for an early diagnosis of the condition. As someone who is living with the condition himself he completely understood that just because you may have an early diagnosis of the condition that does not mean you can't get on with enjoying your life and live it to the full. Glen is an inspiration to us all'
Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer's Society chief executive, said:
'We are all full of admiration for Glen not only for his music but for his bravery in telling the world about his diagnosis. By being so open he will help to reduce the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease for millions of people around the world. He has already done so much to reduce the stigma of dementia, but this will directly help people living with the condition all across the country.'
The Somerset Dementia Partnership is a collaboration between the NHS in Somerset, Alzheimer's Society, Somerset County Council and Care Focus. They are currently circulating 10,000 campaign leaflets across the county advising older people to seek advice if they are concerned they are experiencing persistent memory problems. Whilst factors as simple as lack of sleep and stress can result in lapses of memory, for some older people persistent forgetfulness might indicate it's time to see your family doctor and get some advice. Copies of the new Somerset leaflet called "Are you concerned about memory loss?" are available through local GP surgeries, pharmacies, local authority offices and online from: www.hp.somerset.nhs.uk
Alternatively, copies can be obtained from Alzheimer's Society. Tel: 01935 473597
