There are 700,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and that number will rise to over a million by 2025. As a consequence, an increasing number of couples are taking on the role of carer for their partner. The development of the illness inevitably changes the dynamic of their relationship but what effect does it have on their social life and friendships? One listener contacted the programme to tell us about the impact that her husband’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s has had on their network of friends. We’ll be hearing about her experience, and will be asking why are we so afraid of dementia, and how do we overcome those fears and communicate with people who have it? Jane is joined by Kate Allan from Dementia Positive and Clare Mason a family support worker from the Alzheimer’s Society in Bradford.
