Gardner Leader, a regional law firm, invited 35 professionals to their Newbury office for the Dementia Friends training event on October 23.

The training, led by Sarah Swift from the Alzheimer's Society, was part of a national campaign to change the way people think, act, and talk about dementia.

The campaign aims to help people understand both the professional and personal impact of the condition.

According to a report by the Alzheimer's Society, one in three people born in the UK today will experience dementia in their lifetime.

Currently, around one million people are living with some form of the condition, a number set to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.

More than 70,000 people are affected by young onset dementia, where symptoms appear before the age of 65.

Ms Swift said: "Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help people affected.

"At Alzheimer's Society, we’re working towards a world where the condition no longer devastates lives.

"We do this by giving help to those living with dementia today and providing hope for the future.

"We believe passionately that life doesn't end when dementia begins, however, only 23 per cent of people are confident that they understand the condition and how it affects people."

The participants were guided through the official Dementia Friends programme, which has been completed by more than 3.7 million people in the UK.

This programme helps people understand how dementia affects a person, equipping them to make a difference in people's everyday lives.

The training saw 35 new accreditations awarded by those who attended the event.

Hannah Wallbridge, senior associate in Gardner Leader’s wills, probate and estate planning team, said: "We are delighted with the success of our Dementia Friends training session held in partnership with the Alzheimer's Society.

"The event brought together professionals in the local area to provide valuable knowledge on the condition and how to properly support customers and clients affected by dementia.

"Understanding how dementia influences daily life is crucial to providing compassion and support that gives clients and their loved ones peace of mind."

Rowan Frayling, managing director of J Finance Ltd, who attended the event, said: "A very informative and useful workshop that has aided my understanding of the challenges faced by those living with dementia and how we as a company can better assist clients and their families."

Gardner Leader has been serving the Thames Valley community for over 125 years.

Their team of legal professionals work across nine specialist teams dedicated to providing specific services to businesses and individuals.