Jacob Rees Mogg MP writes:

As we enter September, which is World Alzheimer's Month, we are reminded of the profound impact that dementia has on individuals, families and wider society.

Recently, Alzheimer's Research UK contacted me with new information about the disease and the way in which the charity is trying to tackle it whilst supporting sufferers and their families and friends. I thought that using my column this week was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and represent 1500 constituents living with dementia in North East Somerset.

Dementia is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people around the world. According to Alzheimer's Research UK, one in two of us will be directly affected in our lifetime, either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves or both.

During my own interactions with constituents, I have witnessed the toll that dementia can take and I understand the urgency in which we find ourselves to find effective treatments and eventually, a cure. Over the past few months, I have, therefore, been encouraged by the news that dementia research is making progress. New ways of diagnosing the diseases that cause dementia earlier and more accurately, like blood tests for Alzheimer's disease, are showing promise. New treatments that can affect the course of Alzheimer's disease could be approved in this country in just a few months' time but we must keep pushing forward.

I urge everyone to get involved during World Alzheimer's Month, whether it is speaking to friends and family about the condition or by joining the Big Brain Health Check-In to discover what you can do to look after your brain health. More information can be found at: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

As always, if you require my assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch: www.jacobreesmogg.com / [email protected]