Tesco pharmacies to provide vital information on dementia

The in-store pharmacies will provide essential information and support on dementia in all of their 350 stores across the UK.

Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland are Tesco Charity of the Year 2011. The dementia charities will provide the supermarket with leaflets and booklets titled 'Worried about your memory?' and customers who express concern about their own or a loved one's memory will be encouraged to visit their GP. The initiative with Tesco pharmacy is part of an ongoing effort by both charities to increase diagnosis rates. 750,000 people are currently living with dementia and yet 60% of them don't have a diagnosis.

A formal diagnosis is vital for people with dementia so they can access drugs, support and advice which will vastly improve their quality of life. In the past year alone, Alzheimer's Society has distributed 1.7 million 'Worried about your memory?' leaflets to GP practices across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, prompting more than 17,000 people to request further information. And now through Tesco pharmacies the charity will be able to reach thousands more people.

Adrian Price, Tesco Superintendent Pharmacist, said:

'The prevalence of dementia means almost half of Tesco staff and customers are affected in some way. We often get questions about memory problems, so we're very pleased to be working with Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland to help inform our customers about this important health issue and help tackle the problem of low diagnosis rates.'

Helen Dickens, Alzheimer's Society Campaigns Manager, said:

'By stocking our leaflets in Tesco pharmacies we will be able to reach many more people with this potentially life-changing information, and help improve the shockingly low levels of dementia diagnosis in the UK.

'Research shows that many people concerned about memory problems put off going to speak to a medical professional because they feel embarrassed or scared of talking about their symptoms. These materials encourage people to seek help without delay if they have concerns. The sooner people are diagnosed, the sooner they can get support and start planning for the future.'

Tesco Pharmacies pride themselves on being an important service in the local community, providing information on local heathcare services, including Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland support groups. Most Tesco pharmacies also have a private consulting area, making it easy for people to discuss any problems or concerns they may have in confidence with the pharmacist if they so wish.,/p>

Together, Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland are Tesco Charity of the Year and hope to raise £5 million to help build a better future for people with dementia. As well as stocking the leaflets and booklets, the supermarket is funding a Dementia Community Roadshow which sees three vehicles travelling to Tesco stores around the UK with onboard professionals providing information and advice on dementia.

For more information about Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer Scotland and Tesco Charity of the Year 2011 please visit www.alzheimers-tesco.org.uk