Dementia Makes Sony World Photography Awards Shortlist

A series of images depicting the life of a married couple affected by dementia have made it onto the shortlist for a prestigious world photography award.

It's no surprise that the subject of dementia has made it onto the awards shortlist as the most up-to-date statistics show the numbers of people with dementia are rising across the world with an estimated 35 million people with dementia worldwide.

The pictures - taken by Italian photograher Fausto Podavini - have been listed under the Lifestyle section in the Sony World Photography Awards, an annual competition hosted by the World Photography Organisation.

This year's contest attracted more than 122,000 entries from 170 countries with the entrants judged in 6 different competition categories.

The winners are scheduled to be announced in March and April and this is what nominee Podavini said about his series of images: "People affected with dementia, their families and friends are affected on personal, emotional, financial and social levels.

"Mirella is 71 years old. She spent 43 years of her life with the only person she loved, 43 years of sharing, difficulties, laughs and beautiful moments; a family, a house, values handed down.

"For the past few years her days are cyclic, monotonous, due to her husband's illness. She tries to look forward with devotion, strength and love - as long as there is life there is hope - even if memories are slowly wasted day by day."

To view the series of images which have put Padovini in the frame for an award please visit his short gallery on the World Photography Association website.

For further further information about the awards and a full list of nominees and categories please visit the Sony World Photography Awards page on the same site.

There are currently just over 42,700 people living with dementia in Wales and much work has been carried out to identify the areas which need to be addressed to improve the lives of those with and affected by dementia leading to the creation of the National Dementia Vision for Wales.

To find out more about dementia and hw you can find help and other support services across Wales please visit the Dementia section on our website.