Tackle dementia challenge to boost local economies, says report

The report, Dementia Without Walls, argues that people with the condition who feel excluded may put off from going into local shops, restaurants and contributing to the local economy.

The claims come as part of a report on work in York which illustrates how towns and cities can ensure that people with dementia are included in the community.  It identifies four crucial cornerstones that need to be addressed - place, networks, resources and people.

According to the report, user friendly urban design, clear signage, investment in awareness training and social networks help ensure people with dementia can still play a part in the community and contribute to the local economy. The foundation also looked at businesses in Europe who made adaptations to cater for older customers and the resulting financial benefit.

Dementia without Walls is published six months after the Prime Minister launched a national challenge on dementia.  As part of the challenge, Alzheimer's Society is leading on work to create dementia friendly communities where people understand how to help those with the condition. This report provides one of the first examples of what dementia friendly communities could look like.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer's Society said:

'Defeating dementia won't just happen in a research lab or the NHS - we need to create a society where people with the condition can live fulfilling lives in communities that they know and feel comfortable in.

'Not only is this the right thing to do, common sense tells us that it would have a real benefit to businesses. The cornerstones identified in this report are an excellent first step. Ensuring that people and places are set up to be dementia friendly will mean communities can welcome those with the condition who may otherwise feel unable to play a full part.'

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Notes to editors:

Spokespeople and case studies are available for interview. Please call Alzheimer's Society's media team on 0207 423 3595 to arrange.

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• 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

Contact: Ian Preston Telephone: 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk