TV and radio presenter and journalist Angela Rippon joined panellists at Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation.

Held at The Barnsdale, a panel of six national dementia experts and Angela Rippon discussed ways in which Rutland could become the first dementia friendly county in the UK.

The event was attended by around 150 guests, including local health care professionals, dementia organisations, charities, parish councillors, local media and members of the public.

The event was opened by Angela Rippon, who is an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society. She shared her own experiences with the challenges of caring for her mother with dementia.

She was joined by: Ian Sherriff BEM, a leading figure in dementia policy and research; Liz Hitchens M.A., Chair of the Dementia Friendly Parishes; David FitzGerald, media consultant; Hillary Cragg, Partner and practicing solicitor often dealing with matters for elderly and vulnerable clients; Dr Nicholas Farina, Associate Professor in Dementia Research; and Dr Rupert Noad, Consultant Neuropsychologist and Head of Neuropsychology at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

The panel opened the discussion by talking about the importance of dementia awareness and how rural communities and local media can become more dementia friendly. They then went on to speak about the legal challenges that come with caring for someone with dementia, people's attitudes towards dementia and how the latest medical research and treatments could impact those currently living with dementia, as well as those yet to be diagnosed.

Events such as this hope to increase early diagnosis in the area. (Photo: Alicia Kearns MP)

MP for Rutland, Alicia Kearns, launched Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation earlier this month, hoping to spread awareness and encourage conversation about dementia.

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Kearns expressed her gratitude for Angela Rippon and the panel's great discussion and, she said: "Each talk gave a fascinating insight into how different parts of our community can make small changes to become more dementia friendly and supportive of those living with the condition, as well as their family and loved ones.

"I hope Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation has encouraged anyone who has noticed something has changed or whose loved ones may be showing signs of dementia, to have to confidence to step forward and access the wide network of support available locally."