Boosting dementia awareness in Welsh schools

A new initiative is being launched today by Welsh ministers to improve the understanding of dementia and create a dementia-friendly younger generationEnsuring younger generations understand the challenges of dementia is vital for helping to reduce the stigma of the condition in the future.It’s why the Welsh government is introducing educational material on dementia into schools, with support from the Alzheimer’s Society.Education Minister Kirsty Williams said the resources would help develop young people’s ‘understanding and compassion for people affected by dementia’.It’s thought there are 45,000 people with dementia in Wales, making up about 5.3% of the total number of people in the UK with the condition.The initiative is being launched at Ysgol Maesydderwen in Ystradglynlais on Friday morning.Ms Williams said ministers were committed to making Wales a ‘truly dementia-friendly nation” and that “starts with education and raising awareness’.Sue Phelps, director of the Alzheimer’s Society in Wales, added:‘These resources will help young people to better understand dementia and how to support people living with the condition in their family or community.‘Young people today have an important role to play and can change the future for people with dementia in Wales.’Here’s hoping a similar initiative can be rolled out to schools across the rest of the UK.Source: bbc.co.uk