Mind your head

MP supports Alzheimer’s Awareness week

Local MP, Alan Keen, today expressed support for people with dementia and their carers in Feltham and Heston, 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.

Alan Keen 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 725 people living in Feltham and Heston have dementia and more than three times that number are affected by the consequences.

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

'I’m delighted that Alan Keen 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.'

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 for Alzheimer’s Society 020 7306 0813

For further information contact David Keen or Tim Green on 0207 219 2819