The number of people with dementia in East Sussex is expected to top 17,000 over the next 20 years.

Health experts believe about ten per cent of the population aged 65 and over will have some form of the condition by 2028.

The increase is believed to be because more people are living longer and are therefore more susceptible to age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer's.

However, the condition can also start to emerge at an earlier age with some people living for many years with a form of dementia.

This means more people will find themselves becoming carers for their relatives, neighbours or friends as they succumb to the disease.

The figures have been released as part of an awareness campaign featuring the experiences of people living with dementia and those who look after them.

Dementia covers a number of different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe.

There are more than 100 different types of dementia, with Alzheimer's the most common.

Symptoms include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.

A number of people have spoken to The Argus about their experiences but have asked for their surnames to be withheld.

Marilyn lives in East Sussex and cares for her husband Bob, who has early stage dementia.

She said: "It's a common misconception that dementia is something that only happens to you in your 70s or 80s.

"For a very small minority - including my husband - dementia starts in your 50s, or sometimes even younger.

"It is hard. You have to deal with the sense of continual loss as you lose someone little by little.

"After years of supporting each other, and being a team, I can no longer rely on my husband in the same way I used to. This change takes a while to register.

"That said, you have to confront the situation, accept that life is different now and get used to doing things differently.

"We go out with other couples and families that have dementia.

We're both young still and want to have a social life."

Bob said: "New places have become very difficult to manage - they require all of my concentration.

"If I bump into a passer-by, they will automatically assume I'm drunk. I've had a few experiences of that.

"The illness is cruel because it takes away your confidence and you're not always sure what is happening.

"It's good to be able to raise awareness and tell people about dementia."

A range of services and support is available to people with dementia and their carers including social services and the Alzheimer's Society.

Those with a recent diagnosis are urged to contact East Sussex's social care department to ask for a care assessment.

For more details about care assessments call 0845 6080191 or email socialcaredirect@eastsussex.

gov.uk.

The Alzheimer's Society has branches in Eastbourne and Hastings and can be contacted on 01323 727127 or 01424 720640.

  • For more information about health in your area, click here