Don't be afraid of dementia sufferers

4:10pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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PEOPLE with dementia do not present a danger to society, according to Vale Royal Alzheimer’s Society.

Fran Miller, from the Vale Royal branch of the society, spoke out following the court case and conviction of demenita sufferer Eric Morley, 73, who attacked an 81-year-old pensioner, leaving him permanently disabled.

Some members of the public may think people with dementia are a danger. They might be afraid they are going to get attacked. That isn’t the case on the whole.

Fran Miller, from Vale Royal Alzheimer’s Society

Last week’s Northwich Guardian reported on the case, which was heard at Chester Crown Court.

The court was told Morley had no recollection of the incident and could give no reason for attacking the pensioner.

Mrs Miller conceded it had been a really bad attack but added it was not a typical case.

She said: “Some members of the public may think people with dementia are a danger. They might be afraid they are going to get attacked.

“That isn’t the case on the whole, although some people with dementia do have challenging and sometimes aggressive behaviour.

“This is due to their illness and not the person they are.”

Mrs Miller, whose job is to raise awareness of how to help sufferers and remove the stigma of dementia. said Mr Morley had only been diagnosed after the attack and that sufferers should have an early diagnosis and get the support of their GP.

“Early diagnosis is so crucial,” she said.

“This ties in with our current campaign ‘Worried about your memory?’ which urges people to go and seek help as early as possible to get an early diagnosis and help as soon into the dementia journey as possible.”

“If they can get help in the early stages and get the right advice, it makes the whole thing so much better for everyone, including the sufferer.”

The Vale Royal branch of the Alzheimer’s Society gives support and help to sufferers from their base at 303 Manchester Road.

For advice, ring 01606 35112.