Alzheimer's Awareness Week
| Published: 27th June 2007 10:59 |
Alzheimer's Awareness Week takes place in England and Wales during this week (2nd - 9th July).
The purpose of the Week is to raise public awareness and understanding about dementia, its causes and the impact that it has on people.
700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia and many others are affected by the consequences. The exact causes of the disease are not yet known, but the biological process has been identified.
Alzheimer's disease which is responsible for causing 55% of cases of dementia destroys cells in the brain. The resulting symptoms include memory problems, mood changes and communication problems.
Anyone can develop dementia but we are beginning to understand more about the risk factors. Age is one of the most significant factors. One in eight people over 60 have a form of dementia, and one in five over 80 do as well.
Alzheimer's Society Carers's advice sheet
For more information visit the Alzheimer's Society website.
The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with any form of dementia and their carers.
