A NEW group concerned with one of the biggest health issues facing the UK today is aiming to make Tavistock the first 'dementia friendly' town in the country.

The first meeting of the Tavistock Dementia Action Alliance is due to take place in the town on September 20, when a steering group will be formed to take the initiative forward.

The idea follows the findings of a report to government commissioned two years ago, and the Prime Minister's challenge to set up 20 dementia friendly communities by 2015 — be they towns, cities or villages.

Tony Parker of Tavistock DAA said: 'There is already a strong background in Tavistock connected with helping to improve the lives of those with dementia, and their carers, through the Rotary Club.

'One of the first things to stress is that dementia isn't necessarily an age-related disease, people of any age can have it, and there are over 50 different forms of dementia. 

'Alzheimer's is probably the best known, but there are so many others. The fastest growing is vascular dementia, but a dementia associated with binge alcohol drinking is becoming an increasingly worrying one.'

Tony said isolation was one of the biggest problems facing people with a dementia, and their carers — partly through difficulties in being outside the comfort of their home, and partly through the breakdown of social networks following the development the disease.

He said the Tavistock DAA would aim to make the town dementia friendly by taking a multi-action approach.

Major stakeholders in the community, such as the Chamber of Commerce, TASS, Tavistock College, the Town Council, social organisations such as local sports clubs, the emergency services etc, would be asked to sign up to the scheme.

Shops and organisations would be asked to participate in basic awareness training, through a learning pack currently being drafted by Tavistock DAA. These premises would be allowed to display 'Dementia-Friendly' signs indicating their heightened understanding of the needs of those with a dementia.

Tony said: 'When we talk about training, we're not talking rocket science. It's actually very basic stuff, it's about people being courteous and talking to each other. We're really about the community pulling together to help people with a dementia.

'We are not training people to NVQ standard or anything, it's about being able to recognise the basic signs and symptoms, and doing as much as possible to reduce confusion for people.'

Tony said heightening awareness of classic symptoms was important.

For example, many people were unaware that dementia sufferers have problems with spatial awareness, which could cause them to stagger or be unsteady, as if they had been drinking.

Confusion caused by dementia could also lead to repetitive, excessive purchases which shop staff may recognise with regular customers. Even the colour of surroundings, such as floors and walls, can be a problem for some sufferers.

Tony said one of the ideas was to ask supermarkets to have an 'I'm not in a hurry' checkout, as dementia sufferers could become very agitated if they were forced to deal with packing and paying for items too quickly.

Clear signage was also important — particularly regarding toilets.

Tony said to make Tavistock dementia friendly would require community commitment — but with cases of dementia increasing so quickly, and Devon having one of the lowest rates of diagnosis in the country — it could make a huge difference to a growing sector of the population.

'Some people currently feel stigmatised by having a dementia and they could become part of the community again.

'It would also help people talk about the issues and become much more aware — it affects so many of us either directly or indirectly,' said Tony.

'And for businesses, it costs them nothing, they keep their current customers, they may even gain customers. Their members of staff are members of the community too, and greater awareness helps all round.'

Broadcaster Angela Rippon, whose mother Edna died with dementia in 2009, is co-chair of the Department of Health's Dementia Friendly Communities Champion Group.

A former West Devon resident, she has agreed to be patron of the Tavistock DDA.

She said: 'We're trying to change the mindset of a generation to accept dementia and not be afraid of it, to take away the stigma associated with it.

'As a result of that, we want people to be given information about dementia and how to deal with people with dementia and their carers, so that we can maintain their dignity and independence.'

The first meeting of the Tavistock Dementia Action Alliance takes place in Tavistock Town Council chamber at 3pm on September 20. For information, call Tony Parker on 01364 631507 or email [email protected]">[email protected]