PRESS RELEASE

25 June 2002

CROYDON MP SUPPORTS ALZHEIMERS AWARENESS WEEK

In the run up to Alzheimer's Awareness week Richard Ottaway, Conservative Member of Parliament for Croydon South, has expressed support for people with dementia and their carers in Croydon South.

The theme of Alzheimer's Awareness week, which will run from 7 - 13th July 2002, is "Feeling the Pulse". The Alzheimer's Society will be focusing on the importance of early diagnosis of dementia in order to access treatment and services, and also how to support all people with dementia and their carers.

Richard Ottaway says:-

"It is estimated that more than 830 people living in my constituency suffer from dementia. More than three times that number, as family members, friends or carers, are affected by the consequences and, as someone who has had personal experience of this, I am fully aware of what these effects can be."

"I am delighted to support the Alzheimer's Awareness Week as this will raise a subject that needs to be brought out into the open. The early detection of dementia is vital and should be publicised. This is an issue that has the capacity to affect us all."

Harry Cayton, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society said:-

"I'm very pleased that Richard Ottaway is supporting Alzheimer's Awareness Week. This initiative is about how local dementia care services are changing, and how the Society, together with GPs and other primary care professionals, can provide information and support to everyone affected by dementia. Our research shows that half of all carers delay visiting their GP after thinking something's wrong, the average delay is three years."

For further information about Alzheimer's Awareness Week, please contact Catherine Griffiths, Press Officer on 020 7306 0813.