Michael Parkinson backs Dementia Declaration campaign

Dignity in care champion Michael Parkinson has thrown his weight behind Community Care’s campaign to make dementia an election priority.

The former chat show host, whose mother suffered from the disease, voiced his support as a petition backing our Dementia Declaration passed the 500-signature mark.

Parkinson, who completed a year as the government’s dignity ambassador from 2008-9, said: “I think politicians have to take action whether they want to or not.”

He said he was not optimistic about the chances of change in the present economic climate, but added: “It’s not simply a case of money it’s about attitudes and properly trained staff.”

Parkinson said age discrimination was still a problem in the care system, adding: “If we treated our young people as we do our old people there would be civil uprising – and rightly so.”

He joins a number of political parties and leading sector organisations in backing our campaign.

Over the past week, the Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National Party, the Greens and the Democratic Unionist Party have given their support, as did former home secretary David Blunkett.

Blunkett said debate about dementia care was important at a local and national level, adding: “Political commitment from all those seeking election is vital.”

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