Dementia is a disease of the brain, a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. When diagnosed with Dementia, the fall-out on people’s lives can be simply catastrophic.

 

Those coping with dementia face the fear of an uncertain future; whilst those caring can see their loved ones slipping away. Thus both the carer and the person with dementia need support to cope with the symptoms and changes in behaviour.

 

Dementia also takes a huge toll on our health and care services. With the numbers of people with dementia expected to double in the next 30 years and predicted costs likely to treble to over £50 billion, we are facing one of the biggest global health and social care challenges – a challenge as big as those posed by cancer and heart disease.

 

In England currently, it is estimated that there nearly 700,000 people living with dementia. Locally, in Hertfordshire this number is around 14,500.

 

In Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere there are around 3,550 people living with dementia. That is why Watford Borough Council is committed to making Watford a 'dementia-friendly' town by, not only providing safe spaces for those living with dementia but providing vital services and support. 

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