MEMORY loss is often put down to just growing old.

With Ludlow and south Shropshire and Tenbury and the Teme Valley having a higher than average number of older people there has been a week of activity to draw attention to signs that people may have the disease.

This year’s Dementia Action Week theme is diagnosis. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that the misconception around memory loss being a sign of normal ageing is the biggest barrier to people seeking a dementia diagnosis.

With diagnosis rates falling to a five-year low, health professionals want to encourage those who might be living with undiagnosed dementia, to come to for guidance and support and feel empowered to take the next step. Getting a diagnosis can be daunting, Age UK think it’s better to know.

And so do 91 per cent of people affected by dementia. With this in mind, Age UK Worcester & Malvern Hills are highlighting the key services and activities that they run. Living with Dementia brings many challenges including loneliness and isolation. Age UK Worcester & Malvern Hills’ Dementia Meeting Centres will help people with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis, helping those living with dementia adapt, with others alike, to changes brought about by dementia.

Kirsty Hughes, Dementia Meeting Centre Manager for Age UK Worcester & Malvern Hills says, “There are over 12,400 people living with Dementia across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

“We understand the importance of companionship, enjoyment and maintaining links to the outside world, which is why we have partnered with Worcester University to provide this support”. The Meeting Centres have trained staff and skilled volunteers present to assist members with activities.”