Some of Britain's best-loved celebs have come together to lend their support (and singing voices!) to an inspiring new campaign aimed at raising awareness for those suffering with dementia.
The Dementia Friends Campaign, from Public Health England and Alzheimer's Society, wants to show people that those with dementia can still live full and happy lives with a little help from the people around them. And talking of a little help, the campaign has released a video that shows a host of well-know celebs, including Lily Allen, Chris Martin, Ray Winstone, Pixie Lott, Paul O'Grady, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and many more, performing The Beatles' hit 'With a little help from my friends'. And it's brilliant!
Watch the full video of the singing stars here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfrnWrpPq54
Many of the stars in the film have been directly affected by dementia. Eamonn Holmes explains how much it means for him and wife Ruth Langsford to be involved: ‘Neither of us could think of a better tribute to Ruth's father, who suffered from Alzheimer's, than to support this campaign. Ruth adds: 'I think just to understand the basics about Dementia is going to take you a step forward.'
Watch the behind the scenes video to see Ruth, Eamonn and the other celebs singing along for a great cause!
Amanda Holden, whose grandad died at the age of 84 after 10 years with the condition, refers to the disease as the ‘long goodbye'. 'I think you do lose a piece of the person you love everyday or every week and that's really hard for the person, people or family living around you'.
Amanda has teamed up with a host of other celebs including Lily Allen and Alesha Dixon to support the Dementia Friends campaign
Dementia - the facts:
- There are 800,000 people with dementia in the UK
- Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, affecting 62% of those diagnosed
- Dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function
- Dementia is a terminal condition
- Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding
- Around one million people will be living with Dementia in England by 2021
- There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or any other type of dementia
How to become a Dementia Friend:
1. Go to www.dementiafriends.org.uk 2. Watch the short video on the Dementia Friend campaign 3. You can search for a local face-to-face information session about dementia - these free interactive classes can provide practical advice on how you can help others live well with dementia. 4. Register to receive your Dementia Friends badge and a 'Little Book of Friendship' which includes tips and ideas on how you can be a friend to someone living with Dementia.
You can also follow @DementiaFriends on Twitter #DementiaFriends
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