MEMBERS of the public are invited to take a trip down memory lane as part of a series of events to mark Dementia Awareness Week.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust will be holding a 1940s tea dance and roadshow, as well as launching several initiatives, to mark the week of awareness which begins tomorrow (Sunday).

Dianne Smith, matron for professional standards in dementia at the trust, said: “We hope as many people as possible can come along and find out more about what services are available for people who have dementia or memory problems.

“With support from voluntary sector at these road shows we aim to provide a wide variety of information about the support available for those people diagnosed with dementia and their close friends and family.

"We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to the events.”

She went on to reveal that one in three people over 65 will suffer dementia.

The tea dance - held to connect with those who may be losing short-term memory - will be held between midday and 3pm on Thursday.

There will be stands and stalls from both the hospital and other voluntary groups explaining the support available for those diagnosed with dementia, as well as their carers and families.

This week the trust will also hold a Dementia Champion’s Day and will launch a ‘dementia-friendly’ menu which will be linked to the ‘butterfly scheme’ – a scheme which supports dementia patients throughout their time in hospital.

The menus are currently being trialled on Ward 20 at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

The roadshows will be held as follows:

* Monday, May 19 – 11.30am – Skylight restaurant at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary

* Tuesday, May 20 – 11.30pm – Lonsdale Grill restaurant at Furness General Hospital

* Thursday, May 22 – 11.30pm – main entrance at Westmorland General Hospital