Dementia Action Week (DAW) will run from 16 May – 22, an awareness campaign set up by the Alzheimer's Society who want to unite people across the community and help tackle one of the toughest health and social care challenge of our time.

The theme surrounding DAW changes annually and this year's attention will be turned towards diagnosis.

Dementia diagnosis rates are currently at a five-year low and research carried out by the Alzheimer's Society - the UK's leading dementia charity - has identified the misconception around memory loss just being part of getting old, being in denial and delayed referral times as key factors leading to the declining figures.

National lockdowns caused by Covid-19 had a direct effect on delayed referral times and people being able to see their GP's as regularly, due to the sheer pressures the NHS were forced to work under treating Covid-infected patients.

Megan Comber, Dementia Coordinator for Kingston told Nub News: "People with dementia were one of the worse affected by the pandemic, socialising for them in groups is such a critical component for dealing with their condition and the absence of this was incredibly upsetting for them, their carers and family members.

"We want people to reach out for support now it's a bit safer and it's down to us to make that easily accessible."

Through DAW, the Alzheimer's Society is hoping to encourage those living with, or close to someone who might be living with undiagnosed dementia to: be able to recognise potential dementia symptoms, feel encouraged to come to representatives for guidance and support, improve the diagnosis process for both them and healthcare professionals.

Coombe Hill Manor, a nursing home in Kingston upon Thames has been particularly busy supporting campaigns run by the Alzheimer's Society such as 'Bake for Dementia'.

Coombe Hill Manor had a delicious range of cakes for sale throughout 'Bake for dementia' from April 25 - May 1.

This Sunday (7 May), the Kingston nursing home will be hosting their annual May fair with all proceeds being donated to the dementia charity.

Members of the public are encouraged to come along and enjoy the range of stalls including The A Team Tombola, Coombe Gifts Stall, Caroline's plants & table decorations, Abbey's chutney, jams and bakes and the Human Fruit Machine.

Libraries throughout Kingston will be making brochures available during DAW advising people how to get in contact with dementia ambassadors in the borough. Keep your eyes out for dementia advisors outside John Lewis on 18 May who will also be handing out information.

To continue to strengthen dementia services available throughout Kingston, New Malden Library will be hosting chair-based exercises through their 'Love to Move' classes every Wednesday, as will the Kingston Quaker Centre through their Home Instead- Singing for the Brain programme.

To find out more on either weekly Wednesday classes or details on your local dementia advisors, call 02074235115 or email [email protected].