When you look into my eyes, what do you see? A million different memories so much more to be I have lived survived it all, yes i’m still here I’ve made my own history, I have no fear Take a closer look at me, I am more than what you see See yourself in every step, of our story I am you, you are me, it’s one journey See yourself in every step And let’s make history There’s more to come but I’m not done, Just like you! Take a closer look at me, I am more than what you see See yourself in every step, of our story I am you, you are me, it’s one journey See yourself in every step And let’s make history See yourself! See yourself! See yourself in me! Be the best of who you are, live honestly When life gets tough and things go wrong, this to shall pass Life’s a gift, live it well, Just be happy! There’s more to come but I’m not done, Just like you! Take a closer look at me, I am more than what you see See yourself in every step, of our story I am you, you are me, it’s one journey See yourself in every step And let’s make history See Yourself This video and its lyrics highlights the need to remember to see yourself in everyone you meet.

DEMENTIA

What is dementia? There are currently 800,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number will rise with the aging population- predicted 1 million by Only 43% of people with dementia are currently diagnosed Although the majority of people with dementia are over 65, it also affects younger age groups.

Types of Dementia

Carers There are 670,000 carers of people with dementia in the UK. Looking after people with dementia can affect the carers physical and psychological health c

Grandparents c In 2005 around 908, 021 children living in the UK have a grandparent with dementia.

Cost to the Economy Cost of dementia to economy – £23 billion pounds Cost of cancer to economy – £15 billion Heart disease – £9 billion

Charity Shops c Estimated 9,100 charity shops in the UK in October 2011 Two of the largest charity retailers- British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK Currently no charity shops for Dementia- despite the fact that dementia costs more than heart disease and cancer combined

Money Invested Combined government and charitable investment in dementia research is 12 times lower than spending on cancer research. £590 million is spent on cancer research each year £169 million per year is spent on heart disease and stroke research receives £23 million. £50 million is invested in dementia research.

Why get involved? Improve communication and relationships between people with dementia and loved ones Increase action to improve diagnosis and intervention Diagnosis and intervention impacts on the person with dementia but also their families, friends. Influence the work life, social life, finances,security and future planning for both the sufferer and their friends and family. c

Gloucester is a Dementia Friendly Community What does this mean? What evidence is there for this? How can I contribute?

“I always wanted to work with people, but I had very little awareness or knowledge about working with older adults. Since spending a year in older adult psychology, I’m now doing a PhD in dementia research, and visit people with dementia and their families weekly. I feel truly privileged to work with such inspiring people. They have achieved all of the things that we spend our lives aiming to achieve and more, and it is deeply saddening to see how under valued the older adult population are within our society. There are many older adults who are vulnerable and the only way to change this is through raising awareness and increasing public understanding. Helping to improve the lives of people with dementia and their families not only has huge benefits to our economy and health care system, but allows people who have given so much to our society to have the quality of life they deserve.” c Rosalie Ashworth, PhD researcher- University of Stirling

“The great secret that all old people share is that you really haven't changed in seventy or eighty years. Your body changes, but you don't change at all. And that, of course, causes great confusion.” –Doris Lessing