A new charity has been set up to provide much-needed help for dementia patients and their families.Elizabeth Stewart announced the launch of Action on Alzheimer’s and Dementia (AAD) on Friday, recognised as World Alzheimer’s Day.Ms Stewart said she recognised the “dire need” for help in that area after her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease eight years ago at the age of 67.“I discovered Bermuda had little to nothing to offer in terms of information, support and practical help,” said Ms Stewart, 40, whose mother Judith died in May.“It was a devastating diagnosis for everyone — especially for my mother, who felt very isolated and alone in her disease.“I was on the web every day learning what I could about Alzheimer’s, what treatment my mother should be having to preserve her memory as long as possible, and what we could do on a daily basis to help her.“It was a steep, emotionally-taxing learning curve that our family meandered through.”Now Ms Stewart, an underwriter from Smith’s, has launched AAD to help other families trying to cope with the disease.She also hopes to educate medical professionals, caregivers, nursing homes and other health services in Bermuda about the best care and treatment practices for dementia patients.“I had this overwhelming feeling that more had to be done to help those with dementia and their family, and that public awareness of this global problem needs to be raised,” she said.She added: “High healthcare costs are also an alarming factor. The cost of caring for a person with dementia is four times that of looking after a patient with cancer or heart disease.“Despite this, dementia research is desperately underfunded. More than seven in ten people with Alzheimer’s disease live at home, where family and friends provide almost 75 percent of their care.“Alzheimer’s disease and others dementias are rarely talked about in Bermuda — yet it is a big problem that is only getting worse as our population ages. It needs to be understood, treated and get the same recognition and support as other diseases on this Island.”Alzheimer’s is one of numerous types of dementia, and one of the most common.A progressive disease that destroys areas of the brain, it causes memory loss, confusion, and eventual loss of speech, understanding and movement.While most cases of Alzheimer’s develop after age 65, so-called ‘early-onset’ Alzheimer’s can be diagnosed in people as young as 30.The disease has no cure, but studies indicate drugs can help slow its progression.The first major initiative organised by AAD — which is a registered charity will be a series of training sessions and seminars for individuals working with dementia patients.It is bringing two representatives from the national charity Dementia UK to Bermuda to conduct a full day of training on Tuesday, November 27 at a small charge to attendees.“Anyone who works with, or encounters individuals should attend,” urged Ms Stewart. “This includes those who work at care homes in Bermuda, those working as private caregivers, family members who are caring for someone at home, nurses, doctors, or anyone who is genuinely interested.“As far as I know, this is the first time there has been any dementia training by an outside organisation.“I really hope it will not only provide valuable information and tools but also motivate and inspire everyone who attends to improve the lives of those suffering dementia in Bermuda.”For more information, contact Ms Stewart on 538-5494 or alzbermuda@yahoo.com.