MP supports Alzheimer’s awareness campaign

Llanelli’s MP Nia Griffith is joining Alzheimer’s Research UK in their push to raise awareness of dementia and the need for research funding.

To mark World Alzheimer’s Day last Saturday (21^st September), Alzheimer’s Research UK has launched a campaign to combat the myth that dementia is an inevitable part of getting older.

The ‘Share The Orange’ campaign, fronted by Samuel L. Jackson, highlights the fact that physical diseases cause dementia, most commonly Alzheimer’s. It uses an orange to symbolise the weight of matter lost in the brain as the condition develops.

Ms Griffith joined the charity in Parliament recently to show her support for the campaign and their vital research into the diseases that cause dementia.

She said, “Diseases like Alzheimer’s are not a normal part of ageing. They are physical diseases that damage the brain, and research into them can make a huge difference.

“I’m pleased that Alzheimer’s Research UK is highlighting these very points with its new #ShareTheOrange campaign. I would encourage everyone to watch the powerful video on their website which combats some of the common misconceptions about dementia.

“We are lucky to have so many groups here in the Llanelli constituency dedicated to raising awareness of dementia and supporting those affected by it. There are excellent local dementia groups in Burry Port and Kidwelly striving to make their towns ‘dementia friendly’. And then there’s Ty Golau, a group I had the pleasure of visiting last year which provides support and activities for people living with conditions like Alzheimer’s in Llanelli and Kidwelly.”

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, added, “Research has made major breakthroughs in other disease areas in recent years and we can do the same for the diseases, like Alzheimer’s, that cause dementia. Our scientists are already making vital discoveries and with more support for their work, we can turn discoveries into life-changing breakthroughs more quickly.”

“We’re calling on the public to #ShareTheOrange, turn fatalism into hope and make dementia the next big medical success story by backing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s world-leading research.”

Over 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, and the condition has an economic impact in the UK of over £26bn a year. Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity. Find out more about their campaign and watch the video featuring Samuel L. Jackson on their website: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/orange