Law protection plea for dedmentia victims

CAMPAIGNING . . . Robert and Patricia Marland

THE wife of an Oldham-born dementia victim is trying to raise support for a change in the law

Patricia Marland and husband Robert left Moorside for Wales 17 years ago, where Robert (65), was diagnosed with Pick’s Disease seven years ago.

The disease is a rare form of dementia in which a slow shrinking of brain cells is caused by the build-up of excess protein. The result is personality changes, reduced speech and emotional symptons such as gullibility and vulnerability.

Now she is calling for Government action to introduce a law to protect people like Robert.

She fears people with dementia can be manipulated too easily into losing savings or suffering attack by carers or employees. “I don’t want anyone to be in that position,” Patricia said.

Robert’s condition will continue to deteriorate.

Patrica has gathered more than 11,000 signatures to send to her MP and has widened her campaign to the internet – but the government won’t consider petitions with fewer than 100,000 signatures.

You can sign by going to http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/39112