Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton, has announced a collaboration with television presenter, journalist and writer Angela Rippon - at the same time as revealing the results for her recent Rutland dementia survey.

The MP's Dementia Awareness Survey was completed by over 100 Rutland residents. 90.6% knew someone who had been diagnosed with dementia and 34.2% cared for someone living with dementia.

The survey questions aimed to gauge a base level of understanding surrounding dementia in Rutland, ahead of the launch of 'Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation' which took place on Saturday 20 April.

75% correctly identified that dementia is not just part of getting older, but 62.4% of respondents are not aware that dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, accounting for more than one in ten of all deaths across the country (Alzheimer's Research UK).

Only 33.3% of survey respondents correctly estimated the number of people living with dementia in Rutland which is currently over 700.

Almost half (49%) believed that a diagnosis of dementia means losing your driving licence, but this is not the case. One in three people with dementia still drive.

The most common words associated with dementia were loss, forgetfulness/memory loss, sadness/sad and confusion. Less than half felt they could confidently explain what dementia is to someone.

78.6% of respondents said they would be likely to seek an official diagnosis if they were concerned they might be in the early stages of dementia, however only 53% said they would feel comfortable telling people about a dementia diagnosis.

The Great Dementia Conversation launch on Saturday 20 April. Image credit: Alicia Kearns MP.

'Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation' was officially launched by John Suchet and Nula Suchet on Saturday 20th April at 12.30pm at Victoria Hall in Oakham, almost 150 people attended.

On Friday 28 June, Angela Rippon CBE will be visiting Rutland for a Dementia Awareness, Training and Support event. Further details coming soon.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said: "Over 90% of those who completed the survey knew someone who has been diagnosed with dementia, yet over half would feel uncomfortable sharing a diagnosis with others, showing just how important Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation is to improve our understanding and awareness of this condition."

Alzheimer's Research UK analysis shows that in 2022, dementia continue to be the UK's biggest killer, accounting for more than one in ten of all deaths across the country.

The MP concluded: "There are still so many misconceptions, myths and stigmas to be broken surrounding dementia and together we have kick-started a county-wide conversation that I hope can make our precious county more dementia friendly and supportive of those living with dementia."

Read more about the 'Great Dementia Conversation' here.