New website explains dementia to children

An interactive website to help young people understand dementia has been launched by Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The site was created after a YouGov poll commissioned by the charity found that three in ten parents believe their children have been affected by the condition, with 11% saying they have a family member currently living with dementia.

The Dementia Explained website provides child-friendly information focusing on the ways in which people with dementia may change and the effect this can have on families. Interactive games and videos allow young people to discover more about how the brain is affected by diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and they can share their experiences with others.

Chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK Hilary Evans said: ‘Dementia Explained uses engaging content that will appeal to children of different ages. Educating the next generation about dementia is critical if we are to overcome the stigma that still surrounds the condition today.’

The website launch coincided with the prime minister's announcement of a £150 million investment in the UK’s first dementia research institute.

The institute, led by the Medical Research Council, will aim to develop new diagnostic tests for dementia and find ways to stop the progression of diseases that cause the condition. It will be based at a UK university and is expected to be in place by 2020.

Responding to the announcement, Ms Evans said: ‘A new dementia research institute will help provide much-needed infrastructure, and its UK-wide focus will be vital for bringing together research efforts across the country.' 

She added it was important the new institute worked alongside existing initiatives, such as those by Alzheimer’s Research UK, ‘if we are to make faster progress towards new treatments for dementia’.

To visit the new webiste click here