Alzheimer’s Month reminds us of the seriousness of this condition but also of the beneficial support available locally.

During September, volunteers, health and social workers and those impacted by the condition have attempted to raise awareness about the causes, consequences and realities of the disease.

Specifically, World Alzheimer’s Day, on Thursday, September 21, brought this issue further into the spotlight.

The condition is set to become an increasingly dominant factor for the future. Last year an astonishing 14,200 residents from Devon were estimated to have dementia, and this is set to rise to around 24,200 by 2036.

However, the support on offer is inspiring. The Age Concern Centre in Kingsbridge holds a memory cafe which is open to anyone worried about their memory, worried about someone else’s memory or affected themselves by dementia. Residents can attend for practical information and support in an informal and social environment where people can learn new skills, undertake meaningful activities and listen to guest speakers.

Similarly, in Ivybridge, a memory cafe is held at The Sportsman’s Inn as a social drop in group for carers or sufferers of dementia and memory loss. It allows people from Ivybridge and the surrounding areas to enjoy a social time with people in a similar situation, whilst having access to health and social care.

These memory cafes are one of many initiatives taken across Devon to help people with Alzheimers. Initially they were created to offer peer support, information, advice and lasting friendships to people with dementia or Alzheimers. Now, across the county, more than 50 towns and villages host one. Specifically, the Devon Memory Cafe Consortium is funded by the county’s Clinical Commissioning Groups and Devon County Council.

In addition, there are also three memory clinics in place across Devon, in Exeter, Torbay and Barnstaple. They aim to discover the cause of patients memory problems and provide appropriate information, support and treatment to help them live well and independently.

In aid of this, support workers are also provided for towns and villages by the Devon and Torbay Dementia Adviser Service. The service runs through funds from the county’s CCGs and Devon County Council through the national Better Care Fund.

Dr Andy Haytread, the leading figure for adult mental health at South Devon and Torbay CCG said: “The risk factors for dementia are the same as those for heart disease and stroke, so leading a healthy lifestyle and taking regular exercise will help lower the risk of dementia, particularly vascular dementia.

“There is also evidence to show that smoking can increase the risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s diseases, so quitting is good on so many levels.”

Dr Ed Parry-Jones, a Plymouth GP and NEW Devon CCG’s lead on older people and dementia, said: “It’s never too young to start making healthy choices-eating better, exercising, cutting down on alcohol.

“It’s easier to have a healthier lifestyle if we factor it into our normal routine. Support from friends and family will always help, and you could even get them to join you.”

The precise cause of this most common form of dementia is unknown although a variety of things are thought to increase your chance of developing the condition. A few examples of these include ageing, a family history of the condition, previous severe head injuries, lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.

To learn more about the services available to support people with dementia in the local area visit www.pinpointdevon.co.uk or http://www.devoncarers.org.uk/you-care-for-dementia/