September 2015 marks the fourth global World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise awareness and challenge stigma.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia. It’s estimated that there are 665,000 people in England living with dementia and around 21 million who have a close friend or family member with dementia.. In York it is thought there are 2,700 people currently living with dementia; a figure which is expected to rise to 3,200 by 2020.

The theme for World Alzheimer’s Month 2015 is Remember Me. People all around the world are being encouraged to learn to spot the signs of dementia, but also not to forget about loved ones who are living with dementia, or those who may have passed away.

Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive member for Adult Social Care and Health, City of York Council, said: “Dementia touches so many people’s lives, whether they themselves live with the disease, or are close to someone who does. World Alzheimer’s Month provides an opportunity for us all to think about what we can do to make life easier for people living with dementia, whether that’s signing up to become a ‘dementia friend’ or just taking the time to help someone who may be confused whilst out shopping.”

The council is one of a number of organisations working together to make York a Dementia Friendly City; a place which is accessible and welcoming for people living with dementia and their friends and carers.

For more information on World Alzheimer’s Month visit www.alz.co.uk/world-alzheimers-month. For more details about how to become a Dementia Friend visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk/ or for more information on local support for people with dementia visit www.york.gov.uk