You can live well with dementia with the right support says The Alzheimer’s Show’s organisers

According to new research by Alzheimer’s Society, 56% of people delay seeking help over concerns about memory loss. Some 62% admitted they felt that a diagnosis of dementia would mean their life was over. However, The Alzheimer’s Show’s organisers believe it is possible to live well with dementia, provided those affected gain access to the right support and information.

Retired headteacher Keith Oliver, who was 54 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, says: “Dementia is not a consistently downward journey. You can take opportunities to live well with support. Support is the key.”

Help is at hand

Those worried about themselves or their loved ones can find help and guidance at The Alzheimer’s Show which returns to London’s Olympia on June 10 and 11. The Show has over 100 experts, exhibitors and speakers to offer free advice, support and comfort to those affected by Alzheimer’s.

“The Alzheimer’s Show provides a gateway for people affected by the disease,” says Sara Couchman, Co-Founder of The Alzheimer’s Show. “We have brought together all the expert help and support people need so they can find solutions and guidance.”
The Alzheimer’s Show’s Online Editor, Christina Macdonald, visited the show several years ago when caring for her mother, who has vascular dementia. Christina says: “Seeking help and support for dementia really will make a difference between feeling isolated, and feeling adequately prepared to cope with current and future challenges. It is possible to live well with dementia and The Alzheimer’s Show provides a fantastic opportunity to speak to a vast range of experts.”

Two-Day Consumer Show

The Alzheimer’s Show is a two-day event for family carers offering advice and insight from expert speakers, the latest products and services from care exhibitors and insight and empathy from people living with dementia. Informative Q&A sessions, free advice clinics from experienced Admiral Nurses and legal advice from The Law Society combine to give members of the public the guidance and support they need to navigate their journey with Alzheimer’s in the family.

Highlights include:

• Alzheimer’s in the Frame: Memorable Icons – An exclusive collection of original artworks created for The Alzheimer’s Show by a range of highly acclaimed and talented artists. The collection features famous icons including Margaret Thatcher, Rita Hayworth and Prunella Scales, all of whom either lived with or are living with dementia.
• Practical help from exhibitors with hundreds of ideas and new solutions from dementia and care specialists including care homes, assistive technology, care at home and living aids
• Free legal advice from The Law Society, including guidance on setting up Lasting Power of Attorney, putting the affected person’s affairs in order and providing for their future care
• Free and confidential consultations with Dementia UK Admiral Nurses
• Active fun with the BAT & Butterfly Vs Alzheimer’s Table Tennis challenge with a specially designed table and bat that can help people with the early stages of dementia
• Relief in the SweetTree Homes Care Services Quiet Room where visitors can leave their friend or relative with dementia in this professionally supervised restful and calm environment while they explore the Show
• Expert speakers in the Alzheimer’s Matters Theatre covering topics such as research, coping with challenging behaviour and reducing risk.
• Advice and guidance in the Alzheimer’s Talks & Topics Theatre where experts will explain the Mental Capacity Act, legal issues, personal budgets, carers support and carers sharing experiences.
• Interactive sessions with latest products and services in the Exhibitor Workshop Theatre.
• Practical Activities Workshop with sessions for people with dementia including singing, horticulture, seated yoga, art and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.

Times and tickets

The Alzheimer’s Show takes place from 10am until 5pm on Friday June 10 and until 4.30pm Saturday June 11, 2016 at London Olympia, Hammersmith. Tickets cost £12 for one day or £18 for both days when booked online in advance and £18 for one day and £27 for both days if paying on the door. Concession price £9 per day.

For more information, or to obtain a press pass to the show, please contact:

Christina Macdonald at cmacdonald@alzheimersshow.co.uk/07957 360242

Katherine Selby at katherine@prworkshop.co.uk/07787 533143