NORTH Durham MP Kevan Jones has pledged to support people living with dementia.

He joined over 200 other MPs and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society in Westminster recently to meet people with affected by the condition.

The charity is calling for more people to get the dementia diagnosis they need and for everyone to be properly supported afterwards.

Mr Jones said: “We all have a part to play in improving the lives of people living with dementia.

“There are around 1,125 people living with the condition in north Durham and many more who are in regular contact with family and friends with the condition. It is an issue we absolutely cannot afford to ignore.”

The Alzheimer’s Society wants to see the doubling of spending on dementia research and that communities are encouraged to become more ‘dementia friendly’ to ensure people can live full and active lives.

George McNamara, the charity’s head of policy and public affairs, said: “Kevan Jones has a huge influence in North Durham and we hope he will use this opportunity to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia.”