PEOPLE caring for someone with dementia are being offered the chance to learn more about the disease and how it affects the individual in a series of courses.

The courses, being run by Alzheimer’s Society in Darlington, aim to help carers understand more about the condition and its symptoms, including the sort of behaviours that people may display which can at times be challenging.

By understanding more about dementia the courses help people to cope better with caring for the individual.

Alzheimer’s Society dementia support worker Jenny Leeming said: "Relatives of people with dementia often say that it can be really frustrating when someone doesn’t want to change their clothes, have a shower or sleep at night, especially if the person doesn’t accept that there is anything wrong with them.

"Understanding how the person is trying to make sense of the world, and how they feel about the losses they are experiencing, can help relatives to be more patient and cope better.

"This, in turn, helps the person with dementia to be more content.

"The courses will also help people to better understand the changes that occur as dementia progresses and there will be the opportunity for carers to discuss the difficulties they face and what tactics work for them."

The next five-week course starts on Monday, November 9, from 1pm to 3pm, at Grange Road Baptist Church, in Grange Road.

To book you place, call 01642 442030