Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower joins panel for dementia event in Maidstone
To mark World Alzheimer’s Month, Kent law firm Whitehead Monckton is bringing together a stellar line of experts for a public panel discussion event with Alzheimer’s Research UK on Wednesday 10th September.
Let’s Talk Dementia: Research, Law and Real Life will take place at Edenwood Place, Blue Bell Hill, from 2.30 – 4.30pm with all proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Anyone is welcome to attend what promises to be an informative, thought-provoking and inspiring discussion around the reality of living with dementia, recent developments in research and the future of diagnosis and treatment.
Joining the panel for the event is Scott Mitchell, widower of the late Dame Barbara Windsor. Scott is an actor, author and Alzheimer’s Research UK Ambassador. In 2024, he was appointed People’s Champion of the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals Programme – a government-led taskforce created to speed up dementia research.
Scott will be joined on the panel by Kerin Speedie, Associate Director and Head of Tax & Estate Planning at Whitehead Monckton, Aoife Cosgrave, Science Communications Officer for Alzheimer’s Research UK, and Alison Carter, Community Speaker for Alzheimer’s Research UK and founder of No Place Like Home, a bespoke later life support service, based in Kent.
The panel will get straight to the heart of the matter with discussions around:
- What is dementia (and what is it not!)
- How to recognise the signs and symptoms of dementia
- Common misconceptions about dementia
- Dementia research and the future of treatment, diagnosis and prevention
- Planning for the future with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Mental capacity issues
- Ways to reduce your risk of developing dementia
Christopher Longden, Managing Director of Whitehead Monckton commented: “Dementia is already the UK’s biggest killer, with one in two of us likely to be affected by the condition in our lifetime, either by developing it ourselves or by caring for someone living with it. Latest figures state that some 26,138* people are estimated to be living with dementia in Kent and Medway alone.
“We regularly meet clients affected by dementia in some way, and are committed to supporting dementia-friendly initiatives. We’re bringing this panel together to raise awareness and give hope. We also want to inform and inspire. There is an opportunity for us all to take action to bring about positive change, and this starts with educating ourselves.”
Alzheimer’s Research UK has invested more than £237 million in research since 1998 and currently supports over 2,000 researchers in the fields of drug discovery, diagnostics and genetics. It’s this research that will change the dementia landscape for future generations.
Tickets for the event cost just £10, with all proceeds being donated directly to the charity. For further info and to reserve a place, visit: https://lets-talk-dementia-research-law-and-real-life.eventbrite.co.uk or call 01622 698000. Edenwood Place offers ample free parking.
For further information, please contact Shelle Luscombe on 07876 574659 or email shelle.luscombe@alzheimersresearchuk.org
Notes to editors:
About Alzheimer’s Research UK:
- Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity.
- Our vision is a world free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.
- We fund life-changing research, influence government and policy-makers, and provide information for people affected by dementia.
- Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure for dementia, by revolutionising the way we treat, diagnose and prevent the condition.
- Since the charity was founded in 1992 we have invested more than £237m in dementia research, helping fuel drug discovery, improve diagnostics and further our understanding of the genetics of the condition.
- Last year we invested more than £34m in our charitable activities, including over £27m in research.
- You can support Alzheimer’s Research UK by donating, fundraising, volunteering and campaigning. To find out more about the charity and how you can help visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org or call 0300 111 5555.
- Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
*Source: Dementia diagnosis and prevalence by Integrated Care Board
