Dementia is a condition that is associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities.

It can affect both men and women in any age group.

In the south west alone, there are estimated to be some 66,000 people living with dementia and experts project that this figure will rise to more than 91,000.

But the stigma surrounding it means that only one in three sufferers ever get a formal diagnosis and others have no idea where to turn for help.

We are working to increase the awareness of dementia, ensure early diagnosis and intervention, and improve the quality of care given to people with dementia, whilst in hospital in patients. In particular we want to allow more independance in hospital.

Staff have been working hard to improve dementia services in three key areas: awareness, earlier diagnosis and intervention and providing a higher quality of care.