A BRADFORD based law firm has begun investing in specialist dementia training for its lawyers.

LCF Law will offer the training across its offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley with the aim of providing a better service for those suffering with dementia.

The training looks at what dementia is, its symptoms and what can be done to support people with the disease.

Participants are then encouraged to make contact and stay in touch with someone who is living with dementia.

Learning about the specific legal rights and requirements of those living with dementia, as well as enabling staff to provide relevant advice in a clear and concise way, are also key components.

Neil Shaw (above) is a partner at LCF Law and head of the firm’s Personal Law team, as well as being a dementia champion who trained with the Alzheimer’s Society.

He said: "The main aim of this training is to give our team a better understanding of the different ways that dementia impacts people and highlight the challenges they face.

"It’s important to recognise that dementia isn’t a natural part of the ageing process and isn’t just about memory loss, but is an umbrella term that is used to describe a range of conditions that affect the brain.

"We must also remember that people suffering with dementia can often continue to have independent and normal lives, as well as making important and legally binding decisions."