Convention for people with dementia, by people with dementia

The 2nd UK Convention for people with dementia, supported by the Alzheimer's Society's living with dementia project, is organised by people with dementia for people with dementia.

Ken Clasper, chair of the convention, says,

'18 months ago I felt like my life was falling apart - I'd been diagnosed with dementia, lost my job and with it, my house.

Then everything changed. I went along to the first convention for people with dementia and got inspired. Since then my life has been a roller coaster. I have done everything from helping to set up a memory café to support others, to making a speech at the House of Commons about living with dementia.

I never thought any of this would've been possible after being diagnosed with dementia. This year I want to help empower others and get them involved.'

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society says,

'Life does not have to stop because you are diagnosed with dementia. People can start planning for their future and get involved in a wealth of worthwhile activities.

The Alzheimer's Society's living with dementia team supports people to do everything from raising awareness at conferences to influencing policies and services that effect people with dementia. We would encourage anyone who is living with dementia to pick up the phone and help us reach our vision of a radically changed world for people with dementia.'

For more information, contact Sarah Fenlon, Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

• The event has been made possible by Dementia North.
• 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 5 people over 80 have dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.