LOOKING after someone who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease is a full-time job offering little respite for the carers.

But those on the Fylde are being shown there is somewhere they can turn for support and advice.

Sunday (July 6) sees the start of Alzheimer's Awareness Week and the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Carers' Support Group is using it as a chance to highlight its existence.

The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month and is a chance for carers to talk over their problems and have a break.

Spokeswoman Chris Pickup explained: "It is difficult to get members because the nature of the illness means carers can't just leave their dependants.

"Also there is still a stigma attached to it. People are happy to take advice one-to-one, but when you ask them to come into a group a lot of them won't do it."

The group is also trying to make people more aware of the disease by inviting them to a performance of Peter Spafford's play Change of Mind about Alzheimer's.

"I believe it is quite a moving play," said Chris.

"We are hoping people from nursing and rest homes send their carers to see it because it will give them a better understanding of the disease.

"It can be a very lonely existence for the carer. Their dependants can't hold a conversation with them because they forget everything.

"They can become very abusive to their carers and there is a lot of frustration."

The play, which is free, will be held at Elmslie School hall, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, on July 18 at 7.30pm and is sponsored by the White Lodge Hotel in Blackpool.

Members of the support group will be on hand for anyone who wants more information or carers can attend the next meeting on August 20 at the day care unit of Devonshire Road Hospital, Blackpool, from 7.30pm.

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