The Alzheimer’s Society and The FA’s ‘Support The Supporters’ campaign will take place during the third round of the Emirates FA Cup and the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup from 9-13. January.
Launched during last season’s fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of dementia and encourage fans to take the first steps towards getting that all important diagnosis.
Funds are shared with clubs in men’s and women’s competitions to be used on their channels to promote the campaign and its key messages. These include an “anonymous” team magazine which draws attention to how people with dementia lose precious memories and even the names of their favorite footballers, as well as other content for matchday programmes, big screens and stadium LED lights around the ties.
The third and fourth rounds of the Emirates FA Cup and the Adobe Women’s FA Cup are landmark dates in the football calendar, with clubs from the Premier League, EFL Championship and Barclays Women’s Super League taking part.
The tours also come at a particularly busy time for the Alzheimer’s Society, as people often notice changes in loved ones during the festivities after seeing family members for the first time in a while.
Calls to the Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia helpline increased by 16 percent in January 2024 compared to the monthly average in 2023.
The Alzheimer’s Society Symptom Checklist, endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners, provides fans with information and advice on how to spot symptoms and seek support, and aims to aid discussions with GPs and healthcare professionals.
Some clubs also share the important work they do to support fans with dementia through local social and memorial programmes.
In the UK, someone develops dementia every three minutes, but at least one in three people with the condition are undiagnosed, and too many still think dementia is just a sign of normal ageing, are unsure of the symptoms or are too afraid to go for a visit. their GP.
But a diagnosis gives more time to plan for the future and opens the door to care, treatment and support. A study by the Alzheimer’s Society revealed that 91 percent of people with dementia saw clear benefits from being diagnosed, with many wishing they had been diagnosed earlier.
Alzheimer’s Society CEO Kate Leesaid: “Dementia is the biggest health and social care problem of our time, yet it’s not a priority. So many people still don’t know what symptoms to look out for or the benefits of getting a diagnosis when you’re living with the condition. Without a diagnosis, support services and possible treatments are out of reach.
“Football offers an incredible opportunity to communicate with captive audiences and create change, so once again we are incredibly grateful for the support of the FA and clubs across the country in spreading these important messages to fans.”
Support your loved ones by understanding which common symptoms of dementia to look out for. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/sports use the Alzheimer’s Society symptom checklist, learn more, and donate to fund early diagnosis research.