Norwich Tesco gives support to dementia charity

By KIM BRISCOE, Health correspondent Wednesday, March 9, 2011
2:28 PM

Tesco has announced it will be helping to raise funds and awareness for people with dementia.

In 2021, almost 11,300 people will be living in Norfolk with dementia that has gone undiagnosed. Now a new partnership between Tesco and the Alzheimer’s Society aims to raise £5m for people with dementia and to help to raise diagnosis levels from just 34pc.

The Tesco Charity of the Year partnership will fund research, support professionals to help those living with the condition, and a dementia community roadshow to visit Norfolk on its tour around the UK.

The partnership in Norfolk was launched at Norwich’s Harford Bridge Tesco with the help of Cate McKay-Haynes, from East Beckham near Sheringham, who cared for her mother with the help of her brother.

Her mother was diagnosed with dementia in early 2004, within weeks of Cate having her first child.

She said: “We need to raise awareness of dementia and let people know they don’t have to go through it alone. This partnership with Tesco is a great opportunity and will hopefully encourage people who are concerned about their memory to go to their GP.”

Paul Dunnery, area manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in East Anglia, said: “More than 60pc of people in East Anglia with dementia don’t have a diagnosis, as they won’t be able to access the treatment and support they so badly need. The Tesco partnership will provide much needed funds. I encourage anyone concerned about their memory to visit their GP. If you’d like our roadshow to visit a Tesco near you, visit us at www.alzheimers-tesco.org.uk and let us know.”

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/norwich_tesco_gives_support_to_dementia_charity_1_824564