The work on the multi-million pound dementia centre that is being built on the site of the Margaret Stanhope Centre in Outwoods, Burton has been described as continuing at pace.

The Burton dementia centre of excellence is planning to give their residents home-like accommodation while they receive care and support through their journey with the condition.

The centre is set to include space for family gatherings, room to keep pets and include communal areas and facilities such as a café and hairdressers.

County Councillor, Alan White is the cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing at Staffordshire County Council and has spoken of the importance that a centre like this can have on those suffering with the condition.

Mr White said: “As a county council we very much recognise the devastating impact dementia can have not only on individuals, but on their family and friends. Working closely with our partners, we are ensuring people will get access to a whole range of services to help them live the life that they want for as long as possible.

“Dementia is one of the biggest challenges facing the whole county over the next few years. This new centre will transform the way people with the condition can access the care and support they need.”

The centre is expected to be completed and opened by September 2018 and will see residents be transferred from Hillfield House in Stretton to the new building.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a brain condition which causes symptoms including memory loss and difficulty with thinking, problem-solving or language abilities. Someone suffering with dementia will normally experience these effects partially at first, but will become more severe over time.

Dementia can be caused if the brain is damaged by diseases, such as multiple strokes or Alzheimer's disease.

Who is affected?

Typically dementia affects those aged 65 and older, with one in 14 people in that age group having dementia. But it can affect younger people too, with more than 42,000 people in the UK aged 65 and under currently suffering from dementia.

Dementia is not normally hereditary, however a very small number of people may inherit certain types of dementia.

How many people in the UK?

According to the Alzheimer's Society there are currently around 850,000 people in the UK suffering from dementia.

How can dementia be treated?

The development of dementia cannot be cured, but research is constantly ongoing to develop drugs, vaccines and other medical treatments to combat the condition.

The various symptoms of dementia can be eased through both drug and non-drug treatments, which can temporarily stop the progression, but will not stop it conclusively.