Memory loss should not just be written off as old age, say dementia experts in Gloucestershire.

They have urged people to look out for hidden sufferers of the syndrome as part of Dementia Action Week (May 16-22).

Health partnership One Gloucestershire has organised a series of activities for to reach out to those affected and give them support.

Activities and information will be available at a variety of locations across Gloucestershire so people can find out more about getting a diagnosis and the services available.

Its workers will be at Cinderford Triangle on Tuesday, May 17 from 10am to 2pm and at Fosseway Garden Centre at Moreton-in-Marsh on Wednesday, May 18 from at 10m to 2pm.

Symptoms of dementia can worsen over time and include problems with memory, language or thinking and changes in mood, emotions, perception and behaviour. The condition usually occurs in people over the age of 65.

Steve Shelley-King, consultant dementia nurse at NHS Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "As a society we tend to assume that memory loss is just part and parcel of getting old, but this can lead to a sense of denial for some people which then prevents them from seeking help.

"By getting out and about in the community during Dementia Action Week, we're aiming to encourage those who might be living with, or close to, someone who has undiagnosed dementia to identify symptoms.

"Once this acknowledgement happens, they can come to us for support and start living well with dementia."

Early identification on can make a huge difference in helping someone get the right care so they can stay independent for longer.

Philip Sullivan MBE, chair of Gloucestershire Dementia Action Alliance, said its aim is to help people continue to enjoy living well for as long as possible.

He said: "By creating dementia friendly communities, we are helping society to understand the condition, which is so valuable in preventing people with dementia from withdrawing as their condition progresses."

Jane Haros, associate director of nursing at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group is urging people to take part in a short survey to help shape future care.

She said: "Each person with dementia is different when it comes to offering support, so it's important that we understand 'what matters to them'.

"If people share their experiences with us, we can use the information to develop help and support that is genuinely helpful."

Find the survey here 

Further information about dementia is available here 

Join the conversation on social media by following #DAW22 #DAW #DAWGlos22 on Twitter and Facebook

Contact the Dementia Action Alliance: Info@gloucestershiredementia.co.uk