Alzheimer's Society has today responded to comments made by Baroness Warnock in the media.

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society says,

'We very much respect Baroness Warnock and her contribution to debate and policy formation over the last 34 years. However we simply cannot believe that given the chance to meet people with dementia who still maintain a high quality of life, that she would hold the same views. Her comments are simply a step to far.

'The people Alzheimer's Society works with are valued, treated with respect, accorded dignity as unique individuals with past, present and future needs and desires. They may wish to discuss end of life issues with loved ones but the language Lady Warnock uses about "wasting the resources of the National Health Service" does not help those discussions.'

'We are seeking a meeting with Baroness Warnock to discuss how many people live with this condition every day.  We hope the meeting will show our focus should not be on assisted dying but on how we, as a nation, improve the quality of care for people with dementia to ensure they are properly supported in a way that they will never face becoming a burden.

'By seeking to improve quality care and support, many people will be able to continue to have precious time with loved ones and family members that they value highly.'

• Reference:  Read the article in the Daily Telegraph (19 September 2008) Baroness Warnock: Dementia sufferers may have a 'duty to die'