Families urged to spend quality time together in support of Alzheimer's charity

Vicky McClure is taking part in Nottingham's memory walk (Hannah McKay/PA)

Families are failing to spend enough time together, with many blaming long hours at work, household chores and social media, a survey suggests.

The poll for the Alzheimer’s Society found 41% of families spend up to five hours a week of quality time together, with 13% saying they spend an hour or less a week enjoying quality time.

More than two in five (43%) of more than 1,200 parents surveyed said they did not feel they spent enough time with their immediate families.

They blamed difficulty arranging things for when everyone is free (33%), watching TV separately (14%), using social media (10%), working long hours (16%) and carrying out household chores and admin (16%).

The survey also found that 19% of parents said their children only visited or saw their grandparents five times a year or less.

The survey was to launch this year’s Memory Walk, a series of walks across the country to help raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Some 850,000 people in the UK have dementia and this is set to rise to more than a million by 2021.

The actress Vicky McClure is taking part in Nottingham’s memory walk with her mum, sister, nephew and family dogs.

She said: “My nana, Iris, was diagnosed with dementia in 2013 and I soon began to see first-hand the difficulties many families go through when a loved one is diagnosed with this cruel condition.

“My nana was such a stylish, confident and proud woman before the dementia took hold and it was heartbreaking when she was unable to recognise me and my family.

“Nana Iris lost her battle with dementia in 2014.

“Memory Walk is such a worthwhile event and this year will be my sixth in a row.

“It’s a great opportunity to get together with your family, enjoy time walking together and remember loved ones – I would love to see everyone putting their best foot forward to support Alzheimer’s Society and all those affected by dementia.”

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Modern life is having a huge impact on the time families spend together.

“We already know that what’s good for the heart is good for the head, and regular exercise is one of the best ways to help reduce your risk of developing dementia – all while enjoying a great day out in the fresh air with those you care about.”

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