A NORTH DORSET man has been given the royal seal of approval after being presented with a CBE from the queen.

Jeremy Hughes, who is the Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, was presented with a CBE for services to older people by Her Majesty the Queen last week.

Jeremy, who lives in North Dorset, has been Chief Executive of the UK's leading dementia support and research charity since 2010.

During Jeremy’s time at the Alzheimer’s Society, he has significantly raised the profile of dementia among the general public and to political leaders on the world stage.

The Alzheimer’s Society worked hard to shape the agenda for the 2013 G8 summit, which was dedicated to tackling dementia.

One of the major outcomes of the summit was an international commitment to find an effective treatment or cure for dementia by 2025.

It was also during Jeremy’s leadership that the Prime Minister set his Challenge on Dementia which has already had a huge impact on dementia care, research and social inclusion for people with dementia.

Speaking about being presented with the award at Buckingham Palace, Jeremy said: “I’m honoured by this award and the recognition it gives to the Alzheimer’s Society’s fantastic achievements.

“I’m extremely proud of the advances we have made in increasing funding into dementia research which is vitally important to help people affected by the condition to live well today and find a cure in future. The fact that our Dementia Friends Initiative has led to the creation of over one million Dementia Friends across the UK is wonderful, and we look forward to reaching our target of four million Dementia Friends by 2020.

“However, more still needs to be done to support the 850,000 people currently living with dementia. Investment in dementia research has increased but still sits at only 0.3 per cent of the £26 billion economic cost of dementia. We must also address funding for our social care system, which is in crisis and failing many people.

“The Alzheimer’s Society will continue to work hard to provide the best advice and support to anyone with dementia, and do all we can to enable those affected to live well.”

Jeremy has also steered a major shift in society's attitudes towards people with dementia. He co-chairs the Dementia Friendly Communities Champion Group which works to develop dementia friendly communities.

Jeremy has also overseen the creation of Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative, the biggest ever social action movement to change perceptions of dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society has a range of services which support people with dementia and their carers in Dorset.

For more information visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinformation