Warner Goodman joins the fight against dementia with Cupcake Day

With the rise in dementia sufferers across the UK, research and investment is critical towards finding a cure, prevention or developing palliative care schemes for this life shattering disease.  That’s why Hampshire law firm Warner Goodman LLP are participating in National Cupcake Day, organised by The Alzheimer’s Society.  Jane Cox, Private Client Partner, explains here why the day is so important, how funds raised will help with further research, and why it is crucial that people make plans to protect their assets should they or their loved ones develop the disease.

What is Alzheimer’s Society Cupcake Day?

The Alzheimer’s Society is the leading UK charity that funds research into dementia care.  Cupcake Day is an opportunity for people all across the UK to pull together through their love of baking to raise money for this research, whether that is at work, at home or in their local community. 

“The day last year raised £330,000, more than enough to fund 11 PhD researchers for a year, which is a fantastic result for the charity,” begins Jane.  “Money raised not only contributes towards research but also their activities and their helpline; £40 would pay for five people with dementia to attend a Singing for the Brain session.  The activities that the charity run are crucial to those living with dementia to feel part of something and keeping their brain active.”

Statistics from Dementia Awareness Week

Cupcake Day comes hot on the heels of Dementia Awareness Week in May.  “This year, news released during the week highlighted the link between dementia and strokes,” continues Jane.  “Ten percent of stroke survivors are expected to develop dementia within a year of having a stroke, and thirty two percent within five years.  There are currently 150,000 people living with this type of dementia, vascular dementia, in the UK, which is expected to double to 350,000 by 2050.  That’s why the Alzheimer’s Society is one of three charities, the others being British Heart Foundation and Stroke Association, to invest £2.2million into a vascular dementia research programme.” 

Mortality rates were also revealed during the week, stating that by 2040, it is estimated that 219,409 people in England and Wales will die from dementia, up from 59,199 in 2014.  “We spoke earlier this year about how dementia is now the number one cause of death in England and Wales, and is the only cause of death amongst the top causes to not have a cure or preventative measure.  With dementia expected to affect one million of us by 2021, the work that the Alzheimer’s Society and others are doing is crucial.”

The Alzheimer’s Society research

“Funds raised from Cupcake Day and other activities has meant that the number of dementia researchers has doubled in the last six years,” explains Jane.  “The Alzheimer’s Society has pledged to donate at least £150million in dementia research over the next decade, with focus going towards areas such as developing a deeper understanding of the genetics of dementia, as well as the role of the immune system in the process of the disease.  They also hope uncover a break through into the prevention of dementia and review the different levels of care that can be offered to those diagnosed.”

Importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney

“Of course, no-one wants to consider the fact that one day they may have dementia, however it’s likely that all of us will know someone close to us who has been diagnosed with the disease,” concludes Jane.  “We see too often the consequences that arise from a person not having made plans when they could have done, leaving their loved ones facing a long Court battle to be able to manage their affairs regarding their finances, property or medication.  A Lasting Power of Attorney is something we all should have in place as part of the documents to secure our future.  We are holding our own Cupcake Day on 28^th June to support the Alzheimer’s Society in their fundraising efforts and to help raise awareness of their important work.”

To find out more about The Alzheimer’s Society you can visit their website here, or to follow their campaign on Cupcake Day you can follow them on social media using #CupcakeDay.  For more details about Lasting Powers of Attorney, you can contact Jane or the Private Client team on 01329 222075 or email privateclientenquiry@warnergoodman.co.uk. 

ENDS

This is for information purposes only and is no substitute for, and should not be interpreted as, legal advice.  All content was correct at the time of publishing and we cannot be held responsible for any changes that may invalidate this article.