Pictured: Alzheimer's Society game chager actor Kevin Whately

Coronavirus is posing a significant risk for people affected by dementia and many are cut off from the outside world, warns Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity.

The charity is hearing regularly from families, individuals and organisations across the North West wanting to know how they can help make a difference during these unprecedented times. No one should have to face any challenges over the coming weeks and months alone.

It continues to be there for anyone affected by dementia and Hazel Bayley, its Head of Region for the North West, shares five ways its supporters can help too, from the comfort of their own home.

Spread the word about Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line

Currently, 80% of calls to Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line are concerning issues faced by people affected by dementia caused by the coronavirus. People who ring the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 will be greeted by an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Adviser, who will be able to provide information and practical measures on how to stay safe, active and social during this difficult time. Phone lines are open 7 days a week.

Alzheimer’s Society’s online community, Talking Point, can connect people affected by dementia with others to share tips and ways to cope during this crisis. It can be accessed online for free, night or day at alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint

Help us spread the word about these lifelines by following Alzheimer’s Society on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and sharing our messages to help people with dementia stay connected during these challenging times.

Donate to Alzheimer’s Society’s Emergency Appeal

Alzheimer’s Society is hearing daily from families struggling to explain what’s going on, unable to get food deliveries and carers unable to visit vulnerable people in person.

Never have Alzheimer’s Society services been in such urgent need. Our Emergency Appeal will raise funds to help keep the Dementia Connect support line going and extend telephone and virtual support. People affected by dementia tell us our support line is a lifeline, with thousands of people affected by dementia now having to cope with a temporary closure of face-to-face services and self-isolation. You can help support Alzheimer’s Society’s Emergency Appeal by donating making a one-off donation today at alzheimers.org.uk/coronavirus-appeal

Get baking!

Cupcake Day, which usually takes place in July, will look a little different this year and has no set date – but whether you take part with your household or online, we need your involvement now more than ever.

We’re calling on bakers across the nation to rise as one to support people living with dementia. It’s a great opportunity to join forces with thousands of others in kitchens up and down the UK. Use what’s in your cupboards, get creative and get the kids involved too – or bring your workmates together virtually. Sign up at cupcakeday.org.uk

Become a Dementia Friend

Join the growing dementia movement which has seen more than 3 million people become Dementia Friends.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative allows people to learn a little bit more about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turn that understanding into action.You can sign up to watch a short video online about dementia, after which you’ll become a Dementia Friend. To take part, visitdementiafriends.org.ukWhy not use social media to share that you are a Dementia Friend and encourage friends and family to do the same?

Be a GameChanger

We know that self-isolating is tough for all of us, so download the GameChanger app on your smartphone to help dementia research. It requires people who don’t have dementia to simply play games on your smartphone for five minutes a day, every day, for one month.

GameChanger is a research project led by University of Oxford and supported by Alzheimer’s Society. The games are designed to test specific aspects of memory and thinking that are believed to be affected in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

For up to date information, our services and practical measures we can all take to protect people with dementia during the coronavirus crisis, please visit alzheimers.org.uk