A PIONEERING dementia roadshow is travelling around the region to increase awareness and understanding of this condition. 

There are 32,563 people in the North-East with dementia, and this number is rising.

The Alzheimer's Society's Roadshow offers free information and advice to anyone with queries about the condition, as well as helping to promote the benefits of an early diagnosis.

During its tour of the North-East, the vehicle, funded by Tesco, will be at the supermarket's store in Annfield Plain on Monday and Tuesday, January 21 and 22 between 10am and 4pm and Tesco Extra in Durham City on the following Wednesday and Thursday 24, before visitng Stockton-on-Tees and South Shields.

People living with dementia, are worried about a friend or relative's memory, or have questions about the condition, are encouraged to drop by with no appointment necessary.  

Caroline Burden, Alzheimer's Society's area manager for the North-East and Cumbria, said: "Getting a diagnosis is the first step in unlocking the support and potential treatments that are available.

"Receiving an early diagnosis enables people to get access support when they need it and gives them the opportunity to plan for the future.

"We're here to provide people with information about where to get help and encourage those with concerns about their memory to visit their GP."   

Michael Kissman, Community Director at Tesco said: "We're extremely proud to help Alzheimer's Society raise awareness of dementia.

People can find out more by visiting alzheimers.org.uk/roadshow