A MASSIVE response to a conference on dementia will see a full house in Bewdley tomorrow.

Wyre Forest and District Alzheimer's Society is staggered by the reaction to a conference it has organised at the Ramada Hotel.

Chairman Eunice Pritchard said: "We have been overwhelmed by the response we've had.

"This clearly demonstrates the need and desire for high quality information and training in the field of dementia care."

More than 300 people will attend the conference.

Delegates from across the West Midlands will have a chance to bring themselves up-to-date with the latest in dementia care from a distinguished panel of speakers.

These include Prof David Jolley, who has overseen the establishment of memory clinics for Wolverhampton Health Care NHS Trust.

Erica Smiter will talk about the long-awaited memory clinics for Worcestershire.

Other speakers included Dr Graham Stokes, who is an expert in training care and Jeanette Vaughan, who will explain the new Alzheimer's Society initiative in residential homes which aims to raise standards in dementia care.

And Dr Fiona Shaw will explain her research into preventing falls in dementia.

The conference will be opened by Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor.

He said: "It is terrific that a local society is putting Wyre Forest on the map. We need to spread the news about alzheimers just as we did about cancer years ago so people know more about it and are less frightened.

"There is a need for more information. It is the thing we dread most because people can cope with physical illness but it is devastating for families to see their loved ones lose the knowledge and memory they once had."

For further information about the society call 01299 861300 or e-mail alzheimers@wyreforestbranch.freeserve.co.uk