The West Herts office of Alzheimer’s Society are launching Dementia Awareness Week today with an event at the Harlequin Centre.

Volunteers and members of staff from the charity will be on the upper mall outside Marks & Spencer all day to provide help and support to people affected by the condition.

Organiser Jennifer Hewson said: "We need to tackle the misunderstanding surrounding dementia if we are to ensure people with dementia are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

"This event is a great opportunity to spend some time, whether you have five minutes or half an hour, to learn a bit more about dementia."

The event will also be used to launch the 2012 Watford Memory Walk which will be held in Cassiobury Park on Sunday September 16th.

Organisers hope to beat last year’s fundraising total of £10,000.