A ROADSHOW that aims to tackle misconceptions about dementia and give advice to people worried about loved ones will come to the region this month.

The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Community Roadshow will visit Stockton and Darlington to increase awareness of the illness, which is thought to affect almost 4,000 families across the two towns.

The national tour will stop in Stockton’s Shambles car park on Thursday, August 21, and in Darlington Market Square the following day, between 10am and 4pm.

Staff will offer free information and advice to anyone with queries about the condition, as well as helping to promote the benefits of an early diagnosis.

The event is open to people living with dementia, who are worried about a friend or relative’s memory or who just have questions about the condition. No appointment is needed.

Julia Laverick, the Alzheimer’s Society services manager who organising the roadshow, urged residents to take advantage of the initiative.

She said: “Dementia is one of the biggest health and social care challenges of our generation.

“Yet it continues to be a condition plighted with stigma and lack of understanding. This can mean that people who are worried about dementia in some way, or simply want to find out more may not know where to turn.

“We’re here to provide people with information about where to get help and encourage those with concerns about their memory to visit their GP.”

For further details contact the Alzheimer’s Society Teesside office on 01642-442030