Charity launches new and improved dementia website

The website was launched on Tuesday (13) following consultation with people with dementia and their carers. It features facts and advice about Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, an online shop with dementia-related publications and resources and a postcode search tool for services. It allows people to find out about services from more than 260 branches across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Said Dajani, Alzheimer's Society website manager, says,

'We have always taken the internet seriously and research shows our users do as well. We had more than a million unique visitors last year and the website has been developed to meet the needs of our growing audience.

'The internet can also help us to operate as efficiently as possible, whether through online donations or information downloads. This means more money can go into researching dementia and supporting more than 700,000 people living with the condition.'

People with dementia and their carers can share their experiences and seek advice on the website, through the newly developed Alzheimer's Forum (alzheimersforum.org) and Talking Point (alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint) microsites. They can also send questions directly to national helpline via on online form.

The website has been developed with Jadu CMS and Jadu Galaxies. The overall design was devised to provide an accessible lay out and navigation structure for every visitor, including those with dementia and other cognitive disabilities. The design also reflects the charity's new brand.

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

'Increasingly people are looking for information online and investing in our web architecture will help us to reach them 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The numbers of people living with dementia will reach more than a million in less than 20 years. Those diagnosed, their carers, family and friends need access to fast and accurate information and that is something we can provide, whether it is over the telephone, through our branches and now online too.'

ENDS

Notes for editors

• 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 6 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/.

For more information, contact Jessica Mangold, Alzheimer's Society press office.