On Wednesday 15 September, Sir David Amess attended Alzheimer’s Research UK’s event in Parliament for World Alzheimer’s Month this year.

If there is earlier and more accurate diagnosis of dementia, then treatments and care can be applied sooner. Funding for this condition needs to be increased so the scale of diagnosis can grow and more research can be undertaken into understanding, and ultimately treating, the disease.

Alzheimer’s Research UK are campaigning to change the narrative around dementia risk to include brain health at the forefront of people’s minds. According to the charity, 40% of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by maintaining good brain health.

An estimated 1507 people are living with dementia in Southend West and Sir David continues to have regular communication with the local health providers to assist his constituents.

After the event, Sir David said “we must ensure that people who need dementia treatment receive it urgently and we must focus on early detection. There is also a financial strain when it comes to healthcare that must not be forgotten. No one should have to sell their family home to care for a sick family member. Unpaid carers are so important and should also be appropriately recognised”.