STAFF at a Specsavers Store in Yate are becoming better qualified to understand the needs of customers with dementia.

They are currently undertaking Dementia Friends training, an initiative run by the Alzheimer’s Society that promotes a better understanding of the condition. 

Once completed, the Yate team will be awarded a special badge to indicate their increased level of dementia awareness.

Jane Morgan, store director of Specsavers in Yate, said: “Being more aware of dementia is an incredibly positive development for our team.

“I always thought dementia was all to do with someone’s memory – but it is much more than that.

“By uncovering the truth about dementia it really opened my eyes to how at Specsavers, when performing our daily duties, we can all take a little time to support and care.”

The awareness drive comes as the nation prepares to mark Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from Monday, May 15 to Sunday, May 21.

Dementia occurs when the brain is damaged by an illness, such as Alzheimer's disease or a series of strokes.

The exact symptoms that a dementia sufferer experiences depend on the parts of the brain that are damaged, but common ones include memory loss and confusion.

For the Specsavers staff, the training has helped them understand the types of visual problems that people with dementia can experience, which includes hallucinations.