As part of Dementia Awareness Week, Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, has called on residents concerned that they may be suffering with dementia to talk about their concerns; as figures reveal that 3,416 people across Sunderland are currently living with the condition.

Dementia Awareness Week runs between 18-24th May by the Alzheimer’s Society, their volunteers and other organisations who care about dementia in the Sunderland area. One in three people over the age of 65 will develop dementia.

According to the World Health Organisation, across the globe as many as 35.6 million people have dementia and there are 7.7 million new cases every year. For those living with dementia daily life is challenging as the progressiveness of the syndrome affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, language and judgement. In 2013, the government announced it would double overall funding for dementia research across both public and private sectors by 2025, and pledged to increase public funding into dementia research from £52 million in 2012 up to £66 million by 2015.

Bridget Phillipson MP said:“Dementia Awareness Week this year is all about opening up. Anyone who’s concerned about dementia is being urged to talk to the Alzheimer’s Society or their GP.

“Many people worrying that they might be suffering with dementia feel scared, confused or even ashamed. It’s important to talk to someone in order to receive a diagnosis and support as soon as possible.

“Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers will be out and about throughout Dementia Awareness Week and I would urge everyone to take time out to speak to them because dementia is an issue that we need to tackle together.”

Dementia Awareness Week 2014 runs from 18-24 May. Find out more atalzheimers.org.uk/daw2014. If you have any concerns about dementia, you can call Alzheimer’s Society’s National Dementia Helpline for confidential advice, information and support on 0300 222 11 22. You can also email enquiries tohelpline@alzheimers.org.uk