Alzheimer's Society staff and volunteers in the Isle of Man will be out in force this month encouraging residents to 'do something new' during Dementia Awareness Week.
To mark Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from Sunday, May 17, to Saturday, May 23, the charity is encouraging people to 'do something new' - from dining at a new restaurant to more extreme activities such as abseiling down a bridge.
Throughout the week, people from the Isle of Man will also be able to take advantage of a series of awareness-raising initiatives where there will be an opportunity to hear from staff about the services being offered by Alzheimer's Society locally and for advice about the disease.
This includes a tea dance which is taking place at Villa Marina on Sunday 17 May between 1pm and 4pm, a memory café in Marks and Spencer on Monday 18 and a Golden Memories session at Ramsey Cottage Hospital on Tuesday 19 May.
Alzheimer's Society Regional Operations Manager Hazel Bayley, who is based in Warrington, said:
'We strongly believe that life doesn't end when dementia begins and we do everything we can to help those living with dementia hold on to their lives and the things they love for longer.
'That is why we are encouraging people to 'do something new' during Dementia Awareness Week. By doing something new, we want to get people thinking about
how it's not only possible for someone with dementia to hold onto their life and the things they love for longer, they can continue to try new things and have new experiences, too.'As the population ages, we all face the risk of one day developing dementia but with the right support people with the condition can continue to do the things they love and lots, lots more.'
There are about 1500 people who are currently living with dementia in the Isle of Man and that figure is set to rise as the population ages.
Case study here:
Eg Ken Payne, 61, who fulfilled a long-term ambition by auditioning for The X Factor, is urging other people with dementia to follow suit and not let the condition get in their way. Ken, who lives in Penshaw, Tyne and Wear, said:
'Just because I have got dementia does not mean I am going to stop trying new things. Life is there to be lived to the full and I'm determined that dementia won't stop me in my tracks.
'I've always been musical and now I've got a bit more time on my hands it's given me a chance to show The X Factor judges that you can live well with dementia.'
Alzheimer's Society has a range of services which support people with dementia and their carers around the Isle of Man such as a dementia support service and fortnightly Singing for the Brain in Ramsey and Peel . For further details contact staff at the Douglas office on +44 1624 613181.