SCHOOL pupils have been learning about dementia as part of an awareness week.

Year 6 pupils at West Park Academy in the town joined in a session with staff from the community mental health team to learn more about the illness and become “Dementia Friends”, as part of Dementia Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday.

Dementia Friends was launched in February 2013 by the Alzheimer’s Society and aims to help people understand what it might be like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action.

Sessions are run by volunteer “Dementia Friends Champions”.

More than 1.9 million people have become Dementia Friends across the country and there are thought to be 1,452 sufferers in Darlington alone.

Jenny Leeming, Dementia Support Worker at the Alzheimer’s Society in Darlington, said: “Dementia can affect a person’s relationships and their connection to the world they love, leaving them feeling isolated and alone. By becoming a Dementia Friend you can help keep people connected to their lives and people who matter most.”

This year, Alzheimer’s Society is asking people to come together to unite against dementia, forgetting their differences to help urgently find a cure, improve care, and offer help and understanding during dementia awareness week.

“Dementia doesn’t care who you are. It could affect us all.

“People with dementia often feel – and are – misunderstood, marginalised and isolated but with the right support and understanding they can continue to live fulfilling lives.”