Public encouraged to attend virtual dementia event in bid to raise awareness
Brain health, the role of technology and stress and distress is all up for discussion, as part of a virtual event held to raise awareness about dementia.
The public are being encouraged to sign up for the series of expert led talks, which will take place online on Monday, May 27.
The Let’s Talk Dementia initiative has been put together following collaboration between Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership and Moray Health and Social Care Partnership.
It falls during the same month as Dementia Awareness Week, and the annual campaign raises awareness across the UK.
It is hoped the online gathering will enable people to ask questions and find out more about dementia, which currently impacts around 90,000 people in Scotland.
Mental health and learning disability manager at Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Ryan McGregor, will be introducing the sessions, and hopes the event will promote connection and reduce loneliness.
He said: “We are delighted to be hosting this event, and passionately believe that by tackling what can be a complex and even taboo topic, people will have the opportunity to learn more about a condition which could be having a very real impact on their life.
“We have some fantastic speakers covering a wide range of topics, which we hope will prove invaluable.
“From our older adults mental health team at AHSCP, to our home carers and healthcare support workers, we know how important it is to get dementia care right.
“We’ll also be exploring developments in research, and the role which technology can play in enabling people with dementia to be cared for in the community.”
Digital project manager at Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, James Black, believes advances in technology can be hugely beneficial both for those living with dementia and their families.
He said: “I think people can switch off as soon as you mention digital technology, and part of my role is to demystify what’s available.
“I’m really looking forward to this virtual event, where I’ll be discussing the possibilities on offer thanks to smart technology.
“It’s a win/win, both for the person using the tech and the reassurance which it can give their families and care circle.
“Small things can have a huge impact, such as using Alexa to set reminders or the use of activity monitor solutions which can reassure families that their loved one is going about their normal routine.
“If something does seem amiss, technology can help flag up an issue at a very early stage.”
Lyn Pirie, who is nurse consultant for dementia at NHS Grampian, will be delivering a talk on brain health, alongside Gillian Council who is executive lead for brain health and innovation at Alzheimer’s Scotland.
Visit https://bit.ly/DementiaAwarenessEvent to sign up for the event and find out more information.
