ALZHEIMER'S Society staff and volunteers in South and West Devon will be out in force this month encouraging residents to 'try something new' during Dementia Awareness Week.

To mark Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from Sunday, May 17, to Saturday, May 23, the charity is encouraging people to 'do something new' — from  dining at a new restaurant to more extreme activities such as abseiling down a bridge.

Throughout the week, people from South and West Devon will also be able to take advantage of an awareness-raising initiative where there will be an opportunity to hear from staff about the services being offered by Alzheimer's Society locally and for advice about the disease.

In West Devon, residents can go along to Tavistock Library today (Thursday) between 10am and 4pm to find out more.

Alzheimer's Society regional operations manager Debbie Donnison, who is based in the South West, said: 'We strongly believe that life doesn't end when dementia begins and we do everything we can to help those living with dementia to hold on to their lives and the things they love for longer. 

'That is why we are encouraging people to "do something new" during Dementia Awareness Week.

'By doing something new, we want to get people thinking about how it's not only possible for someone with dementia to hold onto their life and the things they love for longer, they can continue to try new things and have new experiences, too.

'As the population ages, we all face the risk of one day developing dementia, but with the right support people with the condition can continue to do the things they love and lots, lots more.'

There are 13,000 people who are currently living with dementia in Devon and that figure is set to rise as the population ages.

Ken Payne, 61, who fulfilled a long-term ambition by auditioning for The X Factor, is urging other people with dementia to follow suit and not let the condition get in their way.

Ken, who is starring in Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Awareness Week, said: 'Just because I have got dementia does not mean I am going to stop trying new things. Life is there to be lived to the full and I'm determined that dementia won't stop me in my tracks.

'I've always been musical and now I've got a bit more time on my hands it's given me a chance to show The X Factor judges that you can live well with dementia.'

Alzheimer's Society has a range of services which support people with dementia and their carers in and around Devon.

For further details contact staff at the main Devon Helpline number on  0300 123 2019.