A CONSULTATION into dementia support will be launched by the Welsh government today.

People affected by dementia will be able to give their views until March 2017 as part of a series of ongoing events in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society, the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP) and Welsh Government.

The consultation will aim to encourage people living with dementia, their families and carers to have a voice, share their experiences and help shape the final-look dementia strategy for Wales.

Dementia affects 45,000 people in Wales, according to figures by Alzheimer's Society.

Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society in Wales said: “This consultation is hugely significant for people affected by dementia right across Wales today and for the years to come.

“We have campaigned intensely through our #45000 reasons campaign for a dementia strategy for Wales that makes the lives of people with dementia easier.

“We strongly encourage contributions and insight from people affected by dementia to help guide Welsh Government, this is a real opportunity to deliver better dementia care, support, and services.

“We will be pushing for a strategy that is ambitious and achievable in order to deliver real change which fully support the 45,000 people with dementia in Wales and makes Wales a truly dementia friendly nation.”