We're backing the charitable work of the Alzheimer’s Society by encouraging grassroots football to support their loved ones by looking out for common signs of dementia and taking the first steps in seeking a diagnosis.

A recent ‘Support the Supporters’ campaign was backed by clubs and organisations across the football pyramid, including The Football Association (FA), the Premier League, the Vanarama National League and the League Managers Association, to help create a future where football is unforgettable.

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with one in three people born today going on to develop it in their lifetime. But thousands are currently living with undiagnosed dementia. Too many people still think dementia is a sign of normal ageing, are unsure of the symptoms and are too afraid to visit their GP.

Anyone who has noticed recent changes in themselves or their loved ones can show their support by using the Alzheimer’s Society’s symptoms checklist and getting further information on receiving a diagnosis.

An early and accurate diagnosis unlocks access to treatment, care and support, allowing people to manage the condition and their lives, whilst planning for the future. An Alzheimer’s Society survey revealed that 91% of people affected by dementia saw clear benefits to getting a diagnosis, with many wishing they’d received one earlier.

Football is coming together at an especially busy time for Alzheimer’s Society, as people often spot changes in loved ones after seeing them for the first time in a while over the festive period. In fact, calls to the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line were up 19% in January 2023 compared to the 2022 monthly average, whilst registrations to the charity’s Dementia Support Forum were 29% higher than average.

The Alzheimer’s Society has been The FA’s charity partner since 2021 and there’s already been a tangible impact, raising over £740,000, and thousands more across the game now know where to go to access vital dementia support. This season, the partnership will also raise vital funds towards research which will help to transform the future of dementia diagnosis, speeding up how quickly and how early dementia can be diagnosed, changing the game for everyone in years to come.

Essex County FA Head of Development & Investment, Nick Emery, spoke about supporting the Alzheimer's Society: “We’re pleased to be providing our support to the Alzheimer's Society. The work they do is imperative in raising awareness around the signs of dementia and the steps which can be taken to seek a diagnosis.”

To find out more about grassroots football’s support for the Alzheimer’s Society, click here. You can also interact with @EssexCountyFA on Twitter/X and search for the ‘EssexFootball’ page on Facebook.