       IDS UK Pharmacy Network and Alzheimer's Campaign - Jan 09Pharmacies across England and Wales help boost success of Alzheimer’s Society Worried About Your Memory? campaign. A set of materials aimed at encouraging people with memory problems to seek the support they need, have been launched in pharmacies across the UK this month. Despite the fact there are currently 700,000 people in the UK living with dementia, there is an acute lack of understanding and awareness. The Worried About Your Memory? campaign has already had a hugely positive impact in GP surgeries and could now be set to do the same in pharmacies. Alzheimer's Society and IDS NetworkAlzheimer’s Society plans to distribute 50,000 Worried About Your Memory? leaflets via IDS UK’s Help2Health pharmacy information service. Leaflets are to be displayed in 1,000 pharmacies from January to June 2009. Up to two thirds of people with dementia never receive a diagnosis. The Worried About Your Memory? materials have been developed to arm people with the information they need to address their concerns and prompt diagnosis when appropriate. The aim is to follow the success of the 2008 campaign where the distribution of leaflets in GP surgeries resulted in 8,000 requests for further information and 1,620 enquiries to Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Helpline. Pharmacy Manager Sophina Khatun:Sophina Khatun, a Pharmacy Manager from Fareham Pharmacy in Hampshire, endorses the scheme, “Increasingly people are looking to pharmacies to provide information and assistance. Dementia may be a difficult subject for people to discuss so making the Worried About Your Memory? materials easily accessible through pharmacies could really help people to take that important first step towards seeking support.” Neil Hunt, Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive:"Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives. Everyone is a little bit forgetful now and again but when memory loss starts to interfere with daily life it is critical that people get this checked out. Extending the Worried About Your Memory? campaign into pharmacies will allow us to reach more people and help them get the information and support they need." Although memory problems are common and can be linked to factors such as age, tiredness or stress, Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging people to seek advice if they find that they are having noticeable difficulty remembering recent events, names or everyday objects or are finding it hard to follow or hold conversations. Anyone with concerns will be encouraged to speak with their GP or contact Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Helpline on 0845 300 0336 which is staffed by trained advisors. For more information regarding Leaflets2U, contact Cath Davies on 07795 096626. |