Foundation supports Dementia Action Week

Local residents with dementia have enjoyed a special event organised by Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Alzheimer’s Society to mark Dementia Action Week.

There are currently around one million people in the UK with dementia and this is projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040, with one in three people born today to develop dementia in their lifetime.

The word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. There are many types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.

The Foundation works with Alzheimer’s Society to facilitate a weekly Singing for the Brain group at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It also runs Sporting Memories sessions in the local community, giving people with dementia the opportunity to reminisce and handle notable objects and documents from Club history.

Alec Gibbs attended a special hybrid session at the Stadium last week.

He said: “I’ve got dementia and it’s really changed me, but sessions like this do wonders for my wellbeing.”

As part of the Sporting Memories activities, Alec was able to recall his love for the Club.

“I remember when I used to go to White Hart Lane. I first came and watched Spurs when I was five. My best moment was going to the 1967 FA Cup final, when they beat Chelsea 2-1 – that was one of the highlights of my life.”

John Abel, Foundation programme coordinator, said: “Through activities that are designed to encourage recollection, it never ceases to amaze how the power of football and Spurs can help people with dementia to relive special times of their lives, like Alec did today.

“This also helps bring smiles to the faces of their loved ones, for whom it can be tough providing round-the-clock care sometimes.

“Music can have the same influence and we’re really proud to support Alzheimer’s Society in delivering Singing for the Brain at the Stadium.”

Dave Draper, lifelong Spurs fan and volunteer at the Singing for the Brain sessions, said: “It can be surprising when you find out what participants have done in their lives and quite emotional to think all their knowledge has been virtually wiped out. But being able to use the Stadium, as we’ve seen today, can certainly help bring back memories.”

Matt Hughes-Short, Alzheimer’s Society strategic programme manager, said: “Football should be unforgettable, but for thousands of fans that watch every game, this isn’t the case.

“Collaborating with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation on services like this one has a massive impact, helping us provide key information, advice and vital support to those who need it.

“More than a third of people currently living with dementia are undiagnosed. An early and accurate diagnosis can be crucial to unlocking the door to treatment and support, so we encourage everyone to learn the common signs and symptoms of dementia, and seek a diagnosis if you have concerns.”

If you are worried about yourself or someone close to you, you can check your symptoms using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist or call its Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.

Singing for the Brain runs at the Stadium between 10.30am and 12.30pm every Tuesday. For more information about that and Sporting Memories, email simon.wears@tottenhamhotspur.com or ask for Simon on 020 8365 5138.