United to tackle dementia

‘Working together to tackle dementia across the borough’ was the topic that united health and social care professionals at a recent event at Rochdale Town Hall.

Staff from the NHS, Primary Care Trust (PCT), the voluntary sector and Rochdale Borough Council’s Adult Care Service came together to look at what needs to be done to support people living with dementia.

Across the borough there are an estimated 2159 people with dementia. Of those, approximately 979 remain undiagnosed and so are missing out on access to the treatment and support that would help them to live well.

Councillor Linda Robinson, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Housing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s been estimated that in about 15 years time, 1 in 3 of us will get some form of dementia. 

"There are so many different types of dementia and so many lives affected from it. I’ve therefore made it one of my priorities I’m focusing on this year. 

"It’s really important we raise awareness of this prevalent subject and do what we can together to support patients and their families."

Attendees at the event listened to key speakers deliver presentations on improving the quality of life for those with dementia and took part in workshops focusing on the priorities for 2011-13.

One of the workshops experienced on the day was ‘singing for the brain’ led by the Tongue, Tide and Twisted group, which demonstrated the benefits of singing and how classes are used to engage and support people with dementia.