Looking back on Alzheimer’s: the illness and the drive to combat it

The day is a global initiative to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.
People are urged to join the Alzheimer’s Association as it recognises the more than 55 million people across the world who are affected by this terrible disease.
They can make a difference by fundraising, sharing information about Alzheimer’s and talking to loved ones about dementia.
Our main picture shows Frank Jones who, in 2016, was in the early stages of dementia, at an Alzheimer’s Society Engagement Event for Younger People with Dementia at New Waterton Hall.

(Image: Louise Porter)

Above is Graeme McGrory, who organised a Bonfire Blues Bonanza over the weekend of November 4-6 to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society and the News and Star’s SOS Campaign.

(Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

Also fundraising was the mayor of Carlisle, Steve Layden, who, the same year, presented £17,732 to his chosen charities, including £3,800 to the Alzheimer’s Society.
He gave further support through a three-mile walk at Bitts Park in aid of Alzheimer’s.

(Image: Newsquest)
To promote its singing for the brain, the Alzheimer’s Society staged a flashmob event at Workington’s Tesco cafe.

(Image: Newsquest)

The West Cumbria branch held a birthday party to celebrate one year of the dementia cafe in Workington. Dorothy Grearson is pictured taking a twirl on the dancefloor with Paul Tharagonnet.

(Image: Newsquest)
When Splitz Dancing from Warwick on Eden held their annual fashion and dance show they decided to make it in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. They raised £580, which was matched by Barclays Bank, taking the total to £1,160. 

(Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

Alzheimer’s Society members Betty and Clive Harrison from Carlisle are shown smiling for the camera, along with full time carer Pearl Meddings, 70, and her husband John, 74, who suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.