Mind your head

12.00.00am GMT Wed 25th Jun 2003

Local MP, Dr Vincent Cable, today expressed support for people with dementia and their carers in Twickenham, in the run up to Alzheimer's Awareness Week®.

The theme of the week, which will run from 6 - 12 July 2003, is 'Mind your head'. The Alzheimer's Society will be focusing on the risk factors which may increase someone's likelihood of developing dementia and the practical steps that we can all take to try and lower our risk.

Dr Cable said, 'I am very happy to be supporting the Alzheimer's Society in their Awareness Week. Dementia affects one in five people over the age of 80 and understanding some of the risk factors will enable us all to be more proactive about taking steps to protect our health.'

More than 905 people living in Twickenham have dementia and more than three times that number are affected by the consequences. There is a particular problem associated with young Alzheimers victims.

The tragic local case of Brian Thomas who recently died, and the burden thrown on his friend and carer, Jane Ayres, who battled for years against the indifference of the, is a warning of the lack of support for Alzheimers sufferers.'

Harry Cayton, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society said,

'I'm delighted that Dr Vincent Cable MP is supporting Alzheimer's Awareness Week®. The week will tell people about steps which we can take which may lower our risk of developing dementia. The Alzheimer's Society are engaged in exciting research looking for treatments and cures.'

To find out about more about Alzheimer's Awareness Week® and what is happening in your area please call 020 7306 0813.

Notes for editors:

• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.

• Over 700,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.

• Alzheimer's disease is a disease of the brain that causes memory loss, personality changes and physical disability.

• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.

• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.

For further information: Catherine Griffiths, Press Officer 020 7306 0813