Alzheimer's Society launches competition to put dementia in the frame

The photography competition is the next step in the Charity of the Year partnership with Tesco which aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of dementia and raise £5million to build a better future for those living with the condition.

Looking beyond the stereotypes of living with the disease, Alzheimer's Society wants to gather a collection of photographs that capture what it really means to live with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia today. The portraits of people living with dementia may include people with their families, enjoying hobbies, travelling or just every day life at home.

Becky Lopez, Marketing Manager at Alzheimer's Society, says;

"This Dementia Awareness Week, we're encouraging people to remember that behind every diagnosis there is a person living with the condition. We hope this photography competition will encourage others to look beyond the stereotypes of dementia and capture what it's really like for people living with dementia."

The competition is open from 1st - 31st July and is being launched to coincide with 'Remember the person' theme of Dementia Awareness Week 2011. Photos can be uploaded to our Remember the person photo competition page. Entries will be judged by a professional judging panel and winners will be announced in early September.

Exciting prizes are being provided by Tesco Photo and Tesco Direct. The first prize is a Panasonic Lumix Camera and a large canvas printed with photo of choice. Second and third prize winners will receive a large canvas printed with a photo of their choosing. 10 highly commended entrants will also receive canvases printed with photos.

For interviews and images, please contact Jenny Hamer at jenny.hamer@alzheimers.org.uk or call 020 7243 3595

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

Notes to editors

• To enter, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/photocomp. Images must be submitted with 50 - 100 words telling us about the person with dementia in the photo and how the photo shows their personality. The competition launches on 1 July and closes on 31 July 2011.
• The prizes are donated by Tesco photo and Tesco Direct. Together Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland are Tesco Charity of the Year 2011 and hope to raise £5 million to fund Dementia Community Roadshows, Dementia Support and research.
• Dementia Awareness Week runs from 3-9 July, 2011
• For more information, visit alzheimers.org.uk/remembertheperson 
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that there are 750,000 people with dementia in the UK with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2021. This will soar to 1.7 million by 2050
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them. 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk