By KLTV Newsdesk –
As part of Dementia Action Week (15-21 May), two Sheffield-based Health and Social Care Services have launched a new collaborative campaign highlighting the greater risk of Dementia within the African Diaspora.
Cultural Appropriate Resources (CAR) and SACMHA Health & Social Care revealed the ‘I Am Still Me’ campaign to raise awareness within other health services about the African Diaspora’s increased risk of developing Dementia.
According to the Race Equality Foundation, it is estimated that over 25,000 people from Black, Minority and Ethnic Communities are living with Dementia in the UK.
Additionally, Black African & African Caribbean people are at a 22% greater risk of developing Dementia and consequently dying at younger ages due to the disease than their white neighbours.
CAR and SACMHA’s campaign encourages services to look at and benchmark how inclusive their services are for the diverse communities affected by Dementia.
CAR is also encouraging organizations to reflect on what they refer to as the ‘6 A’s’ to ensure that services are: Available, Accessible, Acceptable, Adaptable, Appropriate, and Affordable.
Dementia Action Week
Dementia affects millions of individuals worldwide, along with their families and caregivers, presenting significant challenges that require collective action and support.
To raise awareness, promote understanding, and encourage positive change, Dementia Action Week serves as a vital platform for mobilizing communities and fostering a dementia-friendly society.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by the progressive deterioration of cognitive abilities, including memory loss, impaired thinking, and behavioural changes.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of Dementia, but there are several other types, such as vascular Dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal Dementia.
The impact of Dementia extends far beyond the individual, affecting families, friends, and society.
It is estimated that over 50 million people worldwide live with Dementia, which is expected to triple by 2050.