A SPECIAL 'Memory Bus' will be visiting Bude in the next 12 months as part of the Alzheimer's Society's 'Worried about your memory campaign?'

The 'Worried about your Memory?' campaign, a public information campaign, funded by the Department of Health as part of their commitment to a National Dementia Strategy for England, to raise awareness of dementia and its symptoms, was launched on Monday in Truro.

NHS specialists in dementia and memory problems were on hand at the launch to provide expert advice for anyone worried about their memory or that of a family member or friend. The event was the first in a series planned across the county and the 'Memory Bus' will be visiting Bude over the coming 12 months.

One in 14 people over 65 has a form of dementia and this number increases to one in six for those over 80. Currently, there are 8,000 people living with dementia in Cornwall — a number set to rise to over 12,000 in the next 15 years.

Despite its scale, there remains an acute lack of awareness and understanding of dementia amongst the public, as well as health and community professionals. Two out of three people living with dementia never receive a formal diagnosis, and consequently are not receiving early and appropriate care and support. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, there are treatments and support available to improve quality of life and early diagnosis is crucial.

Shelagh Butler, Service Manager for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for Alzheimer's Society, said: "Many people with memory problems delay receiving the support and help they deserve because they don't understand their symptoms or report them to their GP.

"We are delighted that the NHS and Cornwall County Council are supporting the 'Worried about your memory?' campaign and are giving people in the area a chance to speak to an expert about their concerns on the 'Memory Bus'."

On Monday the bus was staffed by Beverley Chapman, Dementia Clinical Lead from Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT, Consultant Psychiatrists from Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust, Geriatricians from Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and staff from the Department of Adult Social Care.

Anyone concerned about memory problems should speak to their GP, call the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline on 0845 300 0336 (8.30am-6.30pm, Monday to Friday); or log on to http://www.alzheimers.org.uk">www.alzheimers.org.uk where you can get personal advice as well as detailed information booklets on understanding dementia.