Dementia comes under spotlight for the police

POLICE have made a pledge to increase understanding of the signs and situations of people living with dementia.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jun 2016, 06:17 GMT

Hampshire Constabulary’s commitment to protect the most vulnerable in society includes increasing the police’s knowledge and skills to help people living with dementia.

It is estimated at least 20,000 people and their carers are affected by dementia in Hampshire alone, and the numbers of diagnosed cases are expected to rise.

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Symptoms are caused when the brain is damaged in some way, causing difficulties in thinking, remembering and communicating.

Hampshire Constabulary is now officially recognised as a dementia-friendly organisation through working with the charity Dementia-Friendly Hampshire.

Chief Inspector Beth Pirie, dementia champion for the force, said: ‘More police officers and staff are attending information sessions in partnership with the charity Dementia-Friendly Hampshire, whose expertise and experience in creating dementia friendly communities is greatly valued.’

Last year, The News launched its Take Care Together campaign which has seen 1,300 people sign up to become a dementia friend.