Alzheimer's Society launches a new campaign today (Monday 24 April) calling on people in the North West to set aside their differences - from age to tastes and social standing to political allegiances - and unite in the fight against dementia, as it's set to become the 21st century's biggest killer.

New figures released today by the charity from an Ipsos MORI survey reveal a deeply concerning lack of public understanding about one of the biggest health crisis facing society.

Our survey showed 56% of adults (16 - 75 years of age) surveyed online in the North West agree that if they had dementia they feel their life would be over and 42% of adults (16 - 75 years of age) surveyed online in the North West agree that dementia is the health condition they most fear developing.

Moira McLoughlin who is 64 and from West Derby, Liverpool, is 71-year-old Dave's wife and carer. Dave was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2015. Moira said that when Dave was diagnosed there was no real support given to them until they managed to come across Alzheimer's Society. Moira said the factsheets and website were invaluable to them at that stage.

Moira says: "Dave and I are quite private people and have never been ones to go to people for support. Dave is quite happy in his own company or to be with me. However, getting in touch with Alzheimer's Society has definitely changed our lives.

'I am now a Dementia Friends Champion which means I can run dementia friends information sessions, and I have also given a few talks for Alzheimer's Society at different events. With being a teacher previously I don't mind getting up and talking to a large group of people."

It was some of Moira and Dave's friends who noticed that something had changed in Dave after not seeing him for a long time before Christmas 2014.

Moira continues: "It's been two years since Dave's diagnosis now and he is doing well and doesn't have any particular problems with his memory it is more his perception and problem solving. Dave used to be very skilled at doing jobs around the house but now we have to work as a team, I try to figure things out and tell him what to do and he uses the tools.

'Dave's diagnosis has made me more passionate than ever to do my part to help others affected by dementia and I am urging others to Unite Against Dementia and support Alzheimer's Society's campaign."

Someone develops dementia every three minutes and there's currently no cure - but Alzheimer's Society says people with dementia tell them that they face dementia alone.

Steve Green, Operations Manager for Alzheimer's Society in Merseyside said: "We're determined to bring everyone's attention to the massive injustice faced by people with dementia and their carers, with too many denied the support they need.

"Alzheimer's Society hears day in, day out about people with dementia and their carers struggling. Some people tell us about the impossible choices they have to make, from the carer having to choose between a knee operation and caring for her Mum, to a man with young onset dementia who had to give-up work and ask his daughter to pay the mortgage.

"There are 18,294 people living with dementia in Merseyside. We urgently need people in Merseyside to unite with us to improve care, offer help and understanding to those affected and find a cure. Together, we can bring about change."

Celebrities and sports stars including Jo Brand, James Cracknell, Carey Mulligan, Meera Syal and Robbie Savage are also backing the biggest ever campaign from Alzheimer's Society urging people to come together to defeat dementia.