North West Durham MP Richard Holden showed his support for Alzheimer’s Society at a constituency event – and spoke candidly about his first-hand experience of dementia.

The Conservative MP revealed his grandmother May passed away earlier this year after living with the condition for many years.

“My grandmother had dementia for about nine years and towards the end needed round the clock personal care from my parents,” he said.

“Certainly, more research needs to be done to find treatments, but there also needs to be enough support for people so they don’t have to go into hospital.

“I visited a care home recently and was very impressed by the devoted carers. These people give so much more than just care – they give love.”

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Mr Holden was speaking at Consett’s inaugural Pensioners Information and Advice Fair at the town’s Citizens House last Friday.

The event brought together several organisations providing support for vulnerable and elderly people, including Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Holden visited Alzheimer’s Society’s information and advice stall, where he met Dementia Advisers Gavin Lee and Melanie Hopkins.

There are 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, including an estimated 6,818 in County Durham.

Anyone wishing to support Alzheimer’s Society this Christmas can do so by visiting the charity’s fundraising page at www.alzheimers.org.uk/Christmas where they can make a donation or purchase gifts.

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