This Dementia Action Week Manchester Women Together filmed an engaging conversation with Jacqui Cannon, Chief Executive of The Lewy Body Society, Dr Rebecca Marchmont, GP Salford and Clinical Lead for Dementia, NHS GM and Sarah Kirkland, Senior Project Manager at Dementia United, who shared their personal and professional insights into young onset dementia.
With thanks to Manchester Women Together for coordinating and producing this film.
Young onset dementia affects people under the age of 65 and is often misunderstood or overlooked. In this conversation, we explore:
- What inspired their work in this area
- Why greater public awareness matters
- Common misconceptions and stereotypes
- Early signs and risk factors to watch for
- The emotional, social, and gendered impacts of the condition
- What’s urgently needed in Greater Manchester to improve support
Sarah also talks about how important it is that people get involved in research. Dementia United have a research group called the Dragon Dementia Research Action Group (DRAGON). The DRAGON network meets regularly and enables people from diverse communities with lived experience of dementia to share their stories, shape dementia research and advise researchers across the city. You can find out more here
The Lewy Body Society is the only charity in the UK, and the first in Europe, dedicated exclusively to Lewy body dementia. Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of neurodegenerative dementia in older people. At least 10-15% of all people who live with dementia have Lewy body dementia. They campaign to raise awareness of Lewy body dementia in those who need to understand the disease and its impact – people living with Lewy body dementia and those who can make a difference to their futures. They also fundraise to research new treatments and potential cures.