A GOVERNMENT campaign to raise awareness of dementia has been welcomed by carers in Oxfordshire who said it was long-overdue.

‘Living Well’ shows sufferers declaring “I have dementia – I also have a life” in a bid to highlight the condition and demonstrate the things everyone can do to help.

New figures released by the Department of Health show Oxford East has the highest rate of dementia among pensioners in the county, with 7.13 per cent of over-65s suffering from the condition.

Across Oxfordshire, an estimated 7,000 people have dementia out of a population of about 600,000.

Wantage has the lowest levels, with 6.91 per cent of over-65s affected.

Last night, carers said the condition needed to be discussed more in public.

Mike Sammons, 73, of Marston, Oxford, looks after his wife Loni, 81, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2007.

A team of carers visits the couple’s home four times a day to help German-born Mrs Sammons.

Mr Sammons said: “The problem of dementia is much greater than anyone first imagined.

“It took us about five or six years to get my wife diagnosed, and it is only when this happens that you realise the help on offer.

“Anything that raises the profile and understanding of dementia has to be a good thing.”

Valerie Thwaites, from the Oxfordshire Carers’ Forum, said: “I think this is a fantastic idea.

“It’s about time something like this happened. Both my parents had dementia and it is something that affects the whole family in different ways.

“The condition needs to be discussed more publicly so the stigma surrounding it can be removed. That way we can move forward.”

Tricia O’Leary, who runs the 20-bed Vale House in West Way, Botley, Oxford, for Alzheimer’s sufferers, said: “This initiative is long overdue.

“Here in Oxfordshire we are trying to raise knowledge among groups of professionals, including GPs and nurses.

“For example, if one of our residents suffers a fall and has to go to hospital we are always a bit worried because, while the nurse maybe an excellent casualty nurse, they may lack proper understanding of dementia and how to deal with people affected by it.

“We are just about to launch a project to build a new care home because we have outgrown this one. We have been inundated with requests for care.

“I applaud any initiative that seeks to raise the profile and understanding of dementia.”

In the South East, dementia currently affects 99,688 people.

Ann Bullen, from the Department of Health, said: “This campaign is about helping people to understand dementia and the practical ways we can all help people with dementia to live well.

“Dementia is such an important issue for our community and this campaign will encourage us to engage more with people living with dementia and help them to live a fuller life.”

Chris Wyatt, South East area manager for the Alzheimer’s Society, added: “People with dementia tell us that, once diagnosed, others begin to act differently or avoid them altogether.

“This has a huge impact on their lives, but we know that with the right support people can continue to enjoy a good quality of life.”

  • Healthcare company Bupa wants people in Oxford to name carers who deserve special recognition for the way they look after ill, disabled, or older people. Visit bupa.co.uk