THE wife of a man who disappeared more than a year ago has launched a new group for the carers of people suffering with a little-understood type of dementia.

Jane Pierette Turner’s husband Gerald is presumed to have died after he left their Swanage home in the early hours of Sunday, March 4 last year.

He suffered from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), which causes a progressive decline in mental abilities. Since the 67-year-old went missing, Mrs Pierette Turner has worked to raise awareness of LBD.

She said: “Gerry had been ill for a few years and was diagnosed six months before he went missing.

“I hadn’t heard of LBD, and I know many others haven’t either.”

Those who suffer LBD may have good memories.

However, they may have frightening hallucinations, insomnia, movement disorders and trouble concentrating.

“As a carer, it is very difficult. It’s 24/7 looking after that loved one,” Mrs Pierette Turner said.

“I have lost Gerry because I was so tired I didn’t hear him leave the house and go off on his own.

“Other carers I am aware of say they are so, so tired. It’s a constant struggle with no rest and nothing to look forward to.”

In March, Mrs Pierette Turner organised a music night in Purbeck to raise enough money to start carer’s group B.O.L.D.colour&sound. Members of the group meet twice monthly during the afternoons to enjoy crafts and music and chat with other carers and those with LBD.

The next two sessions are planned for May 17 and 31.

A second music event will also take place on June 2 at the Harmans Cross Village Hall near Corfe Castle. Mrs Pierette Turner said 12 acts are expected to perform between 2.30pm and 7.30pm.Tickets are priced at £5 if bought in advance from Foleys Garage, Harmans Cross, Centaur Financial Services and Nationwide branches in Wareham and Swanage. They will also be available on the door priced at £6.50.

“The difference this has made to both carers and cared for in the few group meetings we have had since starting is the prof that we need this group to grow,” Mrs Pierette Turner said.

An inquest into Mr Turner’s death was opened and adjourned in Bournemouth earlier this month.

Coroner’s officer Ken McEwan said: “Mr Turner had a medical history of dementia, Type 1 diabetes, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

“His wife was his carer and he was medicated for diabetes.

“Without this medication, he became extremely ill and was unlikely to survive for a long time.”