Charity urges early diagnosis in Wales during Dementia Action Week

ALMOST half of adults in Wales are unaware that problems with vision can be a common symptom of dementia, according to new research released by Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.

The figures come as Dementia Action Week (May 19–24) begins, with the charity aiming to raise awareness of the condition and encourage earlier diagnosis. An estimated 50,000 people are currently living with dementia in Wales — but nearly half of them do not have a formal diagnosis.

The new data reveals that 50 per cent of Welsh adults did not recognise changes in vision as a symptom of dementia. One in ten people surveyed could not identify a single common symptom.

Vision-related symptoms can include difficulty judging distances, trouble recognising objects, and misinterpreting patterns or reflections. Larger print may also become harder to read.

Other commonly overlooked signs include changes in mood or communication difficulties. Across the UK, only 61 per cent of adults recognised problems with communication as a symptom, and 64 per cent identified mood changes.

Rachel Nelson, Country Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “At Alzheimer’s Society, we see too many people delaying seeking a diagnosis because they’re scared or unsure what it will mean.

“A diagnosis is not the end. It’s the beginning of getting the right support, making informed choices and living well.

“That’s why this Dementia Action Week, we’re encouraging everyone to learn more about the symptoms of dementia and to seek help if they notice changes in themselves or someone close to them.”

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is promoting a free online symptom checklist to help people better understand the warning signs and take action.

Corinne Mills, Interim CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, added: “More than a third of people with dementia don’t have a diagnosis, meaning they’re missing out on the vital care, support, and treatment they need.

“Our research shows that 97 per cent of people affected by dementia saw a benefit in getting a diagnosis.”

The six most common symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss – especially of recent events
• Difficulty organising thoughts – trouble making decisions or solving problems
• Problems with communication – struggling to find the right words or follow conversations
• Problems with vision – difficulty judging distances or seeing edges of objects
• Confusion about time or place – losing track of the day or forgetting where they are
• Changes in mood or personality – becoming unusually anxious, irritable, or withdrawn

The charity emphasises that dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and early diagnosis allows access to treatments, care options, and the ability to plan ahead — including appointing a power of attorney and managing finances.

To check symptoms or get support, visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist or call the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456. Welsh language support is available on 03300 947 400.

Photo caption: Supporting early diagnosis: Alzheimer’s Society Cymru urges people to check symptoms and seek help during Dementia Action Week (Pic: Alzheimer’s Society).

WEST WALES prison reform advocate Zack Griffiths has had all malicious communications charges against him dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service—but still faces one remaining charge linked to a video posted on social media.

Griffiths, who has become a prominent critic of conditions at HMP Parc in Bridgend, was arrested in April this year while attending Cardiff Crown Court. He was subsequently recalled to prison, where he remains in custody.

The dropped charges were originally brought under the Online Safety Act and related to alleged online harassment. However, the CPS has now confirmed it will offer no evidence on these counts. Supporters have claimed the charges were part of a campaign to silence Griffiths’ outspoken activism.

The remaining charge concerns a video filmed inside a prison, which appeared in a Facebook group run by Griffiths. While it is not alleged that Griffiths himself posted the footage, prosecutors claim he is liable as the group administrator for failing to remove the content.

His legal team, however, argue that the video was uploaded using the platform’s anonymous posting feature, and that Griffiths had no knowledge of its publication. They are expected to apply to have the charge struck out at a hearing on Friday (May 24).

Griffiths is a former inmate who served time for drug-related offences. Since his release, he has dedicated himself to campaigning on behalf of prisoners and their families, often using social media to highlight alleged corruption, drug abuse, and violence inside UK prisons—particularly HMP Parc.

In November 2024, he was jailed for 12 months for posting a video of a Parc prison officer restraining an inmate. He also falsely accused a staff member of involvement in drug dealing, leading to a restraining order. Griffiths represented himself during that trial and argued he was acting in the public interest.

The case against him continues against the backdrop of intensifying scrutiny at HMP Parc, where six prison officers have been arrested in recent months on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and where several deaths in custody are under investigation.

Griffiths’ supporters have branded the ongoing legal proceedings a “witch hunt” and are calling for a public inquiry into G4S-run Parc Prison.

A 22-YEAR-OLD man from Haverfordwest has been formally cleared of an allegation that he strangled a woman earlier this year.

Byron Rowlands, of Baring Gould Way, had faced a charge of intentional strangulation following an alleged incident in the town on 15 February.

He denied the accusation from the outset, and a trial had been scheduled for later this year.

During a previous hearing, his barrister said Rowlands had been clear that the incident “did not happen”.

However, the case was brought back before Swansea Crown Court after a review was triggered by a bail application.

Prosecutor Regan Walters confirmed that no further evidence would be offered against Rowlands.

Judge Catherine Richards recorded a not guilty verdict and told the defendant he would be released.

“This concludes the matter,” she said.