PEOPLE in Dorset are being urged to unite in the fight against dementia as it’s set to become the 21st century’s biggest killer.

Celebrities and sports stars including Jo Brand, James Cracknell, Carey Mulligan, Meera Syal, Uriah Rennie and Robbie Savage are backing the biggest ever campaign from Alzheimer's Society urging people to come together to defeat dementia.

New figures released today by the charity from an Ipsos MORI survey reveal a deeply concerning lack of public understanding about one of the biggest health crisis facing society:

*9 per cent of adults surveyed in the South West think that dementia only affects a person’s memory

*22 per cent believe that dementia is a condition that results in death

*21 per cent would feel uncomfortable talking to someone with dementia face-to-face

*50 per cent agree that dementia is the health condition they most fear developin

Someone develops dementia every three minutes and there’s currently no cure – but Alzheimer’s Society says people with dementia tell them that they face dementia alone.

Debbie Donnison Regional Operations Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in the South West said: “We’re determined to bring everyone’s attention to the massive injustice faced by people with dementia and their carers, with too many denied the support they need.

“Alzheimer’s Society hears day in, day out about people with dementia and their carers struggling. Some people tell us about the impossible choices they have to make, from the carer having to choose between a knee operation and caring for her Mum, to a man with young onset dementia who had to give-up work and ask his daughter to pay the mortgage.

“We urgently need people to unite with us to improve care, offer help and understanding to those affected and find a cure. Together, we can bring about change.”

There are many ways people can get involved – whether it’s becoming a Dementia Friend, campaigning or donating to fund research for a cure. Check out alzheimers.org.uk