What is dementia?

As well as affecting those diagnosed, dementia is heart-breaking for the carers and loved ones of those living with the condition. Early symptoms can include memory loss, difficulties with language and personality changes, and as dementia becomes worse people often lose the ability to walk or move, lose control of their bowels, and in the latter stages often can’t swallow.

These symptoms are caused by diseases of the brain which cause brain cells to stop communicating and die. As more and more brain cells die, people with dementia struggle with more and more tasks.

Wickes are proud to have raised a staggering £1,000,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, just 18 months into our partnership. ARUK are the country’s leading dementia research charity and were chosen by our employees as it’s a cause very close to all our hearts. Their dedicated scientists focus their studies on the prevention and treatment of dementia, with the ultimate aim of finding a cure.

Many people think that dementia is a natural part of ageing but the truth is it’s actually caused by many different brain diseases, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. There are currently over 850,000 people in the UK affected by dementia, two thirds of which are living with Alzheimer’s. There are currently no treatments that can stop or slow these devastating diseases.

But Alzheimer’s Research UK is on a mission to change that and Wickes are proud to be part of the fight! And we’re not stopping at £1m: Watch This Space for more updates on our partnership.

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