We are partnering with Alzheimer’s Society to tackle the issues faced by people affected by dementia and stroke in a brand new project.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, affecting around 150,000 people in the UK. Up to one in three stroke survivors are at risk of developing vascular dementia within five years, with 20% developing dementia within six months.
Stroke survivors living with dementia tell us it can be a battle to get the right care, starting with diagnosis through to getting support to remain independent for as long as possible. We and Alzheimer’s Society have agreed to work in partnership to deepen our understanding of the experiences of this group of people so we can improve the support they receive.
Speaking about the new partnership, Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said:
We're very excited to partner with Alzheimer's Society on this new project. We're looking forward to discovering and deepening the understanding of the needs of people living with vascular dementia who have had a stroke, and also exploring how we can collaborate to address the needs of these very vulnerable people.
Alzheimer's Society chief executive, Jeremy Hughes CBE, said of the partnership:
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, yet we still don’t know how to cure, prevent or even slow it down. Too many are facing dementia alone without adequate support. We urgently need to find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected. Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and with no treatments in 15 years, taking action with other charities and health organisations is vital to help us understand more about this devastating illness. This Dementia Action Week, I’m delighted that the Stroke Association has united with Alzheimer's Society.