Race Against Dementia

Join Jackie Stewart to help the fight against dementia.

A New Charity – Race Against Dementia

Join forces with a new global charity called – Race Against Dementia – a race to find a cure for dementia, a destructive and upsetting condition. This charity has been set up by the Formula 1 racing driver, Jackie Stewart, whose wife, Helen, lives with dementia.

Jackie Stewart has had an amazing life and has made some incredible memories for his family and all those who love motorsport. He cares for his wife and is very aware how dementia can eat away at those memories, which are so much a part of who we are, and he is determined that his charity does something about it.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is the gradual loss of the brain’s ability to function. Not everyone living with dementia is affected to the same degree, but this horrible disease often robs people of their daily lives, also impacting those they love.

The Different Stages

Dementia ranges in severity from the early stages, which includes present-day memory loss like forgetting where you’ve left your phone or your glasses, to gradually more serious things such as forgetting the names of people you’ve known all your life and losing the ability to spell or articulate thoughts clearly.

Fifty Million and Counting

Dementia affects millions of people worldwide and is at its most prevalent in our older population. In fact, research shows that a third of people over 85 have some form of dementia. 

There are several different forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common. There is currently no known cure, although many charities and people around the world are working hard to both identify the causes and find cures.

The Signs to Look Out For

All brains lose some some of the active nerve cells and neurons as they age, but people with dementia lose more than the average. The signs and symptoms to look out for  include:

• memory loss and confusion

• difficulty expressing thoughts, ideas and communicating with others

• loss of concentration

• difficulty reading and writing

• forgetting the names of familiar objects and how to use them

• forgetting where you are when outside the home

• sudden loss of confidence and

• in some cases, problems with movement and balance.

Doctors (GPs) undertake various assessments to establish whether the symptoms are dementia and there is a lot of advice and support available through the NHS.

Sir James Dyson – £1 Million Grant

It is reported that scientists, backed by the charity, and sponsored by a million-pound grant from the businessman Sir James Dyson, believe a drug to halt dementia is approximately ten years away. Once that has been achieved, then there is hope a cure will follow.

In the words of Sir James Dyson, "We have a really good shot at this, and in the next ten years, we'll hopefully have something that, at least, helps slow the disease, and hopefully soon after, something that cures it"

Any donation to the charity you can make will help fund groundbreaking global research.

An excellent way to contribute is by participating in the Race For Dementia on January 21^st. It can be any race. You can run, cycle a marathon, climb a mountain, race a car, or swim in a river, lake or the sea.

Why not create your own event with friends and family, or just make an individual effort? Or, if you prefer, raise funds by joining one of the many organised events in different parts of the world.

Ability Superstore sells some great items for people living with dementia, including the following…

 HUG

Hug is a sensory product that, when cuddled, has a soothing heart within its soft, cuddly body. When hugged, it plays soft calming music that reduces anxiety, provides perceived affection, gives comfort and helps calm stressful feelings.

This award-winning healthcare aid has the same effect on people with dementia as a cuddly toy does when held by children.

As a mobility aid, it can be taken on visits outside the home, providing continuity and much-needed reassurance. 

Patience Cards

These specialised Patience Cards make social occasions more relaxed and less stressful by reducing the likelihood of awkward situations. As a daily living aid, they come into their own when there is interaction with strangers where possible embarrassment could occur due to a lack of cognitive awareness by the person with dementia.

Living with dementia can be a constant battle, and these cards help in situations where you might need to explain your situation when meeting a stranger who is unaware of your condition.

Snakes and Ladders Board Game

This family-friendly board game, popular worldwide with adults and children, has been adapted to meet the needs of people with dementia. The clear design and strong colours are suited to anyone with visual and/or cognitive difficulties. It is also perfect for those with visual impairments, as the board includes braille on each of the numbered spaces.

This game is perfect for having fun and for encouraging people to think for themselves.

Memrabel Memory Loss Aid

This device is designed to help people remember tasks and events by playing a recorded message.

Up to four different voice messages can be used to play back, daily or weekly, reminding of tasks that need doing and appointments that need to be kept.

The recorded message is played at selected times. A familiar voice can record the message, so the person listening isn’t fazed by hearing an unfamiliar tone.

Day and Night Analogue Clock

This easy-to-read day and night analogue clock has a large clear face and lettering and is perfect for anyone whose sleep patterns are impacted by dementia. It prevents confusion and anxiety when waking and provides a quick understanding of the time and whether it is day or night.

The sun and moon move around the upper part of the clock, indicating whether it is night or day and showing exactly what time in the 24-hour cycle it is.

Further Support