Corinium takes part in forum on dementia

The Managing Director of Corinium Care joined a forum on dementia hosted by Gloucester MP Richard Graham.

“Dementia is one of the biggest problems we face in the western world today,” said Mr Graham. “Numbers are increasing rapidly and it’s something we are all going to have to deal with.”

He pointed out that the G8 Summit has set a target to find a cure or treatment for dementia by 2025 as the number of people diagnosed reaches 36 million worldwide. In Gloucestershire 8,500 people are diagnosed with dementia.

Dr Simon Ridley, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, told the audience at Shire Hall in Gloucester: “It’s very challenging to find a cure by 2025. There may be effective disease-modifying treatments by then, but they won’t come easy, they won’t come cheap and they won’t come tomorrow. There won’t be a wonder pill – we have plenty more work to do, and research has to be carried out across international boundaries.”

 Dementia is high on the Corinium Care agenda. “An increasing number of our clients are living with dementia,” said Corinium MD Clare Janik.

“They can no longer manage alone, but with the right care, understanding and support, we make it possible for them to stay in their own home for as long as possible.

“We see at first hand the beneficial effects of keeping people in their own home, surrounded by familiar things and comforted by the anchor of connections with their past.

“We also provide dementia training for our carers because it’s essential that they tune in, not just to a client’s words, but to their body language and their past experience.”

She added that when someone is struck by dementia, their entire family is left in a state of confusion and distress.

“That’s why we welcome the interest of politicians. If they can help widen awareness of dementia, and promote the sharing of best practice, that has to be a good thing.

“The reality is that, whilst a search for a cure continues, finding the best ways of living with dementia will remain an equal challenge for years to come.”