Research fellows have held an event at Newcastle United Foundation for people living with dementia and their families to showcase new methods for supporting the condition. The event has helped to mark Dementia Action Week (May 10- 25) led by the Alzheimer’s society.
Football and the role of football clubs are just one example of various interactive methods that researchers highlighted create positive outcomes to promote better health and care for people with dementia to live as well as possible. The research team – funded by NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria – showcased how new research led from the region aims to improve the quality of life for both people living with dementia and their families.
Guests at the event also heard from staff at Newcastle United Foundation on the impact created by a first-of-its-kind Dementia Walking Football group launched in February 2024. One member of the dementia walking football session is Tony Logan, who was joined by his wife Deb.
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The retired joiner from Westerhope was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and was recommended walking football from the NUFC Memory Cafe. Tony told ChronicleLive he first realised something was wrong while driving: “I was approaching a T-Junction and didn’t know which way to turn.”
His wife, Deb Logan said: “Some people think dementia only affects the person but that’s not the case – it’s the whole family. Tony has since given up his licence as he would never forgive himself if something happened and that took away some independence.
“At first Tony was reluctant to come [here] but now Wednesdays are the focal point of his week and its the one day he’s not mixed up about. All the staff have been a godsend and we can’t fault them at all. Coming here has really opened up a whole new world.”
Tony who has now made friends within the community added: “I never seem to have bad days here. I only wish the sessions could be longer!”
FULL STORY at source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/how-football-clubs-helping-change-31693760
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